Severe monsoon-induced flooding has claimed over 30 lives and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, prompting both nations to prepare shelters and evacuation plans ahead of more anticipated heavy rainfall.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that five days of unexpected torrential rain on the country’s east coast delivered six months’ worth of rainfall, devastating Kelantan and Terengganu. The floods inundated vast rice fields, inflicting millions of dollars in losses for farmers, and caused extensive damage to roads, homes, and public infrastructure. Rescue teams utilized boats to deliver supplies to those stranded by the rising waters.
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In Kelantan’s Tumpat district, laborer Ayob Othman recounted his ordeal of attempting to save his belongings as floodwaters surged unexpectedly. Another villager, Asmah Ibrahim, expressed despair over the financial burden of repairing her home, estimating costs at 40,000 ringgit ($9,000).
Anwar told Parliament that flood-related infrastructure repairs could amount to 1 billion ringgit ($224 million) and said the government would consider compensating those who suffered asset losses. While rainfall subsided over the weekend, meteorologists predict a new monsoon surge beginning Sunday.
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National Disaster Command Center data shows approximately 85,000 evacuees remain in shelters across seven Malaysian states, down from 150,000 earlier. Kelantan and Terengganu account for the majority of displaced individuals. The Malaysian death toll has reached six, while southern Thailand has reported 25 fatalities.
Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the floods affected over 300,000 households, forced the closure of many schools and 98 health facilities, and left 34,354 people in government shelters. Authorities are bracing for more heavy rain through Thursday, deploying rescue teams and equipment in high-risk areas.
The floods have also disrupted tourism, with Malaysian officials advising against travel to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination.
Source: With inputs from agencies