Malaysia and Thailand Flooding Disaster Kills 12

Malaysia and Thailand Flooding Disaster: Over 12 Dead, Thousands Displaced

Heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating flooding across Malaysia and southern Thailand, leaving at least 12 people dead and displacing over 135,000 residents. Emergency services are racing against time to rescue stranded individuals and provide relief as the rains persist.

Impact in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the northeastern state of Kelantan has been the worst hit, with over 122,000 evacuees accounting for 63% of the total displaced population. Residents describe rising water levels threatening their homes, as emergency services work to deliver provisions and set up shelters.

One local, Zamrah Majid from Pasir Puteh, stated, “The water has reached my house corridor and is just two inches away from coming inside.” Another resident, Muhammad Zulkarnain, highlighted the isolation caused by the flooding: “There’s no way in or out for any vehicles to enter my neighborhood.”

In total, nine Malaysian states have been affected, with disaster management resources deployed to Kelantan and Terengganu. The Malaysian Meteorological Department warns that heavy rains are expected to persist until Sunday.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has barred cabinet members from taking leave, urging them to focus on relief efforts. The flood crisis is already being compared to Malaysia’s 2014 disaster, which displaced hundreds of thousands.

Southern Thailand’s Flooding Crisis

Thailand’s southern provinces have also suffered extensive damage, with over 13,000 people displaced and six provinces declaring disaster status. Flooding has disrupted medical services, forcing two hospitals to close.

Footage from Sateng Nok district shows dramatic rescues, including one where a baby was carried out from a flooded home. Thai disaster officials report that nearly 534,000 households have been impacted.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a flood relief fund of 50 million baht ($1.7 million) for each affected province, emphasizing the need to restore normalcy quickly. Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department warns of “very heavy rain” extending into the following week.

A Recurring Threat in Southeast Asia

Flooding during the monsoon season is not uncommon in Southeast Asia, but its severity varies. In 2021, Malaysia experienced its worst flooding in decades, killing at least 14 people. In 2011, widespread flooding across Thailand claimed over 500 lives and destroyed millions of homes.

The current disaster underscores the vulnerability of both nations to climate-related events, necessitating long-term disaster management and resilience-building efforts.