Malaysia Braces For Worst Flooding In A Decade: 80,000 Evacuated, 3 Dead

Malaysia facing severe flooding as torrential rains have led to the evacuation of more than 80,000 people across multiple states, with three fatalities reported. Officials have warned that this year’s monsoon season could bring the worst flooding the country has experienced in a decade.

Flooding is a recurrent issue during the monsoon season, which spans from October to March, particularly along the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. However, heavy downpours this week have exacerbated the situation, triggering large-scale evacuations, especially in Kelantan, a northeastern state bordering Thailand.

As of Friday morning, the National Disaster Command Centre reported that 80,589 residents had been relocated to 467 temporary shelters across seven states. Kelantan and the neighboring state of Terengganu have been the hardest hit. While details about the three casualties have not been disclosed, the scale of the disaster has raised significant concern.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, warned that the current flooding could surpass the devastation of 2014, when nearly 250,000 people were displaced. “Given the gravity of the situation, all resources have been deployed to safeguard the lives and well-being of those affected,” Ahmad Zahid said, as reported by the state news agency Bernama.

The government has mobilized over 82,000 security personnel and dispatched rescue equipment, including boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and helicopters, to aid in evacuation and relief efforts.

Meanwhile, KTM Berhad, the national railway operator, announced the suspension of nine train routes on the east coast due to the flooding.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall persisting through Friday and cautioned that the monsoon surge could bring prolonged downpours until December 1.

As the nation braces for further weather challenges, authorities continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of those in flood-stricken areas.