Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Severe floods sweeps through multiple states in Malaysia, claims three people and more than 80,000 residents have been evacuated. Officials are warning that the ongoing monsoon season could bring the worst floods the country has experienced in a decade.
Flooding is a recurring crisis during Malaysia’s annual northeast monsoon, which typically lasts from October to March, bringing torrential rains to the region. However, this week’s heavy downpours have triggered large-scale evacuations, particularly in the northeastern state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, according to reports from CNA.
The National Disaster Command Center reported that as of Friday morning, 80.589 people had been moved to 467 temporary shelters across seven states. Up to Friday at least three people died, however further details about the fatalities have not been disclosed.
Kelantan and neighboring Terengganu are among the worst-affected areas in Malaysia. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to assist operations in this hardest-hit regions, especially in Kelantan.
Authorities have mobilized over 82,000 security personnel along with rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters to support evacuation and relief efforts.
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Deputy Prime Minister and National Disaster Management Committee Chair Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cautioned that this year’s flooding could surpass the devastation of the 2014 floods, which displaced nearly a quarter of a million people in Malaysia.
“Given the severity of the situation, all resources have been mobilized to ensure the safety and welfare of flood victims,” Zahid said on November 28.
Weather Forecast
Previously on Wednesday November 27, the Malaysian Meteorological Department warned that heavy rainfall in several states would likely persist until Friday. While last week, the agency forecasted prolonged monsoon rains in the eastern peninsula through December 1.
The situation remains critical as Malaysia braces for more rainfall and potential floods, prompting officials to urge residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders.
(Raidi/Agung)
