In Malaysia’s northern states, severe flooding caused by continuous rainfall has led to over 122,000 individuals being evacuated from their homes. The National Disaster Management Agency reports that this number surpasses the 2014 flooding crisis, with concerns that it may increase further due to the ongoing heavy rains. The death toll stands at four, with casualties reported in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak, with Kelantan being the most severely affected.
Kelantan accounted for 63% of the evacuees, with approximately 35,000 people displaced in Terengganu and the rest spread across seven other states. The incessant rainfall has flooded streets and homes, particularly affecting areas like Pasir Puteh in Kelantan, where residents are navigating waist-deep waters and facing isolation as floodwaters block access to their neighborhoods.
Evacuees like Zamrah Majid and Muhammad Zulkarnain have shared their experiences of the rising waters encroaching on their homes, with some residents needing to rely on food supplies from NGOs as assistance. Despite emergency services deploying personnel, rescue boats, and helicopters to aid those affected, challenges persist due to the widespread impact of the floods.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rains, worsening the situation in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak. The northeast monsoon season, lasting from November to March, brings heavy rains to Malaysia, often resulting in severe flooding. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Hamidi, leading the National Disaster Management Committee, has stressed the ongoing emergency efforts with thousands of personnel working to assist flood-prone areas.