Kuala Lumpur – Torrential monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding in Malaysia, leading to the evacuation of more than 122,000 individuals, surpassing the numbers seen in the devastating floods of 2014. According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the situation is particularly severe in Kelantan, where over 63% of the evacuees hail from, due to continuous heavy rainfall affecting the northern states.
The disaster has claimed at least four lives in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak, with fears that the number of displaced could increase as the rain shows no signs of abating.
In Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, residents like Zamrah Majid, a 59-year-old school janitor, are facing unprecedented water levels. “My area has been flooded since Wednesday. The water has already reached my house corridor and is just two inches away from coming inside,” Majid reported. Despite the dire circumstances, she noted the minor silver lining of allowing her grandchildren to play in the still shallow waters, with the caveat of the potential danger if the water rises further.
Another local, Muhammad Zulkarnain, aged 27, described the isolation in his neighborhood, with no vehicular access possible. “Luckily we have received some assistance from NGOs, they gave us food supplies like biscuits, instant noodles, and eggs,” he shared, highlighting the community’s reliance on non-governmental aid amidst the crisis.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecasted that the heavy rains will persist into Sunday, affecting Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak. This annual ordeal during the northeast monsoon from November to March brings significant challenges to the country each year.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who leads the National Disaster Management Committee, has mobilized thousands of emergency service personnel, equipped with rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters, to aid in relief and rescue operations across the flood-affected regions.
As the nation braces for continued adverse weather, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance to those affected and preparing for further potential displacement as the floodwaters continue to rise.
Key Points:
- Scale of Evacuation: Over 122,000 people have been evacuated in Malaysia due to severe flooding, surpassing the numbers from the 2014 floods.
- Affected Areas: The northern state of Kelantan is the hardest hit, making up 63% of the total evacuees. Terengganu and seven other states are also affected.
- Casualties: The flooding has resulted in at least four deaths across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak.
- Local Impact in Pasir Puteh: Residents like Zamrah Majid and Muhammad Zulkarnain are dealing with isolation and rising water levels, with some receiving assistance from NGOs.
- Weather Forecast: The Malaysian Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rains until Sunday, particularly in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak.
- Annual Monsoon Challenges: Flooding is an annual issue during Malaysia’s northeast monsoon, which spans from November to March.
- Government Response: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has led efforts to deploy emergency services with various rescue equipment to assist the affected populations.
