February 11, 2025 6:02 pm
February 11, 2025 6:02 pm

More than 122,000 people displaced due to floods in Malaysia

More than 122,000 people have been displaced due to massive floods in the northern states of Malaysia after incessant rains. This number has exceeded 180,000 people who were displaced during the 2014 floods in the country, and officials say it could increase further. Kelantan, Terengganu and Sarawak recorded four deaths.

According to the data of the National Disaster Management Agency, the state of Kelantan has been hit by floods. There are 63 percent of those affected by the flood. About 35,000 people were displaced in Terengganu, while the rest were reported from seven other states. The heavy rains earlier this week continued in Kelantan’s Pasir Puteh town, where people could be seen walking through waterlogged streets.

People use a boat through a flooded street during heavy rain in Pasir Puteh, in Malaysia’s Kelantan state on November 30, 2024. Flooding in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand has killed at least eight people and forced tens of thousands from their homes, officials in both countries said on November 29. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

In Kelantan, districts like Pasir Mas and Tanah Merah are among the hardest hit, with thousands of people evacuated to temporary relief centers. River levels, such as Sungai Golok and Sungai Kelantan, have surpassed danger thresholds, exacerbating the situation. Similarly, Terengganu has seen a sharp increase in evacuees, with areas like Besut and Hulu Terengganu severely impacted. Both states are dealing with prolonged flooding due to persistent rainfall, prompting concerns about long-term displacement and recovery efforts.

In other parts of the country, including Perak and Kedah, localized flooding has also been reported, though the situation in Johor remains relatively stable. Emergency services and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide aid and manage evacuations​.

People wade through a flooded street during heavy rain in Pasir Puteh, in Malaysia’s Kelantan state on November 30, 2024. Flooding in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand has killed at least eight people and forced tens of thousands from their homes, officials in both countries said on November 29. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

Thailand

Thailand is also experiencing significant flooding in various regions due to heavy rainfall. In the southern provinces like Narathiwat, over 150,000 residents across 42,000 households have been affected, with many areas inundated due to overflowing rivers. Roads have become impassable, schools have closed, and evacuation efforts are underway in the hardest-hit districts, including Ra-ngae and Rueso. Similar impacts are being observed in Satun, Songkhla, and Yala provinces, where rising water levels are causing disruptions and displacing thousands of people​.

Bangkok is also on high alert, with warnings issued for 16 flood-prone areas due to rising river and canal levels. Authorities have prepared flood barriers and emergency response plans to manage potential urban flooding​.

To mitigate the situation, Thailand’s Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has called for enhanced water management and drainage systems, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall exceeding 90 millimeters in 24 hours. Emergency plans are in place to assist vulnerable communities and coordinate evacuations if conditions worsen.

 
Picture of Phatam B. Gurung

Phatam B. Gurung

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