Malaysia’s northern states are grappling with devastating floods caused by relentless rainfall, with over 122,000 people forced to leave their homes as of Saturday.
This crisis has eclipsed the 2014 flooding disaster, with officials warning of further displacements as heavy rains persist.
According to the AFP, the National Disaster Management Agency reported that Kelantan has been hit hardest, accounting for 63% of those displaced, amounting to nearly 77,000 individuals.
Terengganu has also been significantly affected, with 35,000 people evacuated. The remaining displaced individuals are scattered across seven other states.
The death toll stands at four, with fatalities recorded in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Streets and homes in flood-stricken areas like Pasir Puteh in Kelantan have been submerged, leaving residents stranded in waist-deep water.
Zamrah Majid, a 59-year-old school janitor in Kelantan, recounted the dire conditions. “My area has been flooded since Wednesday. The water is just two inches away from entering my house,” she said. Fortunately, Majid managed to move her vehicles to higher ground before the floodwaters rose further.
Muhammad Zulkarnain, 27, who lives with his parents in Pasir Puteh, described the isolation his community faces. “No vehicles can get in or out of our neighbourhood,” he said via phone.
Despite rescue operations involving emergency personnel, boats, and helicopters, many evacuees remain without aid, relying on food supplies from non-governmental organizations.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecasted continued heavy rains through Sunday, heightening concerns in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Hamidi, who leads the National Disaster Management Committee, assured citizens that thousands of personnel are working tirelessly to provide support.
“We are fully committed to assisting those affected and mitigating the impact of these floods,” he stated.
The ongoing northeast monsoon season, which runs from November to March, frequently brings severe flooding to Malaysia, but this year’s deluge has been particularly destructive. Residents and officials alike brace for what lies ahead as the rains show no signs of abating.
