KOTA BARU – Severe flooding caused by monsoon rains has resulted in the loss of over 30 lives and the displacement of tens of thousands of people in Malaysia and southern Thailand. Officials have indicated that both countries are bracing for more heavy rainfall by setting up shelters and evacuation plans.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that the east coast of the country experienced five consecutive days of intense rainfall last week, which was more than the total rainfall for the past six months. This has led to extensive damage in Kelantan and Terengganu, two northeastern states in Malaysia.
The relentless rain has caused significant destruction to roads and homes in Kelantan and various other areas in Malaysia. Rescue teams have been utilizing boats to deliver essential supplies to individuals who have been stranded in their residences. It has been estimated that the government will need around 1 billion ringgit (equivalent to $224 million) to repair the infrastructure that has been impacted by the flooding.
The rain eased over the weekend, but the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rains later Tuesday. Anwar said the government is bracing for another monsoon surge that is expected to hit on Sunday.
According to the National Disaster Command Center, about 91,000 people across eight states remained in schools, community halls and relief centers after they were moved out of their homes due to the floods. This was down from about 150,000 evacuees on Sunday. About 88% of the evacuees are from Kelantan and Terengganu.
At least six people died in Malaysia, while the death toll was higher in southern Thailand.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said Tuesday that 25 people perished in floods in the southernmost part of the country in the past week. More than 300,000 households have been affected, with many schools and 98 health facilities forced to close. The health ministry said 34,354 evacuees remained at 491 government shelters on Monday.
Although water levels have receded in several provinces, the department also warned of more heavy rains through Thursday, putting the areas further at risk of flash floods. Authorities prepared shelter, water pumps, evacuation trucks and boats, and put rescue workers on standby to prepare for more downpours.
The floods have affected tourism, with Malaysian officials urging citizens to defer travel plans to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination.
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