Malaysia braces for worst floods in a decade as three are killed and over 80,000 displaced
- Malaysia is currently experiencing severe flooding due to unexpected monsoon rains, resulting in three fatalities and over 80,000 people displaced.
- The worst affected states are Kelantan and Terengganu, with significant evacuation efforts underway.
- The government is fully mobilizing resources and personnel to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of flood victims.
In late November 2024, Malaysia faced severe flooding as a result of unanticipated heavy monsoon rains. The National Disaster Command Center reported that over 84,000 individuals from more than 25,000 families were forced to evacuate their homes across seven states. Kelantan and Terengganu were particularly hard-hit, with Kelantan seeing over 56,000 evacuations. The Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, expressed concern that this year's flooding could surpass the devastation experienced in 2014, which displaced around 250,000 individuals and resulted in 21 deaths. With the annual monsoon season beginning in November and likely continuing until March, Malaysia typically prepares for floods during this period. The Meteorological Department indicated that the country could experience five to seven episodes of heavy rainfall this season. In anticipation of the worsening situation, the government mobilized nearly 83,000 personnel, as well as thousands of rescue boats and vehicles, life jackets, and helicopters. Additionally, a network of identified evacuation centers was established to accommodate the anticipated influx of flood victims. Authorities have emphasized the importance of safety and welfare for those affected by the floods. The Deputy Prime Minister assured that all necessary parties and resources have been activated to respond to this crisis effectively. Forecasts from meteorological services suggest that heavy rainfall could affect even more states in the coming weeks, complicating recovery efforts and putting more lives at risk. Given the circumstances surrounding the flooding event, the preparation and response measures taken by the Malaysian government reflect a proactive stance in disaster management. The devastating impact of monsoon flooding in prior years serves as a reminder of the potential severity of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and community support in mitigating such crises.