Malaysia – Floods Worsen Leaving 2 Dead and 12,000 Evacuated

Malaysia’s annual northeast monsoon brought further heavy rain over the last 2 days, worsening the flood situation that hit the 3 states of Pahang, Johor and Terengganu at the start of the year.

Malaysia news agency Bernama reports that 2 people have died in the floods, one in Kuantan and another in Sungai Lembing, Pahang state.

Since 03 January, flooding has also affected Sabah state where around 500 people have been displaced. The Kinabatangan river in Kinabatangan district reached alert levels and stood at 6.09 metres on 05 January. Danger mark is 6.50 metres.

Parts of Penang state have also been affected with around 25 people currently displaced. The Junjung river in Seberang Perai Selatan district reached 3.66 metres on 05 January, above the danger mark 3.10 metres.

In Pahang the number of those staying in emergency accommodation has increased to around 10,000. The worst hit districts include Kuantan, Rompin, Pekan, Jerantut, Lipis and Bera.

Several rivers were above the danger mark in the state, including the Pahang river in Pekan district and the Pahang di Lubuk Paku river in Maran district.

In Terengganu state, the number of evacuated almost doubled overnight to around 2,500. Kemaman and Dungun districts are worst hit. Local reported that the situation was worsened by a high tide on 05 January which prevented the surging Kemaman river from flowing into the sea.

The situation in Johor has improved since 03 January, with around 250 people remaining in relief centres.

Featured photo: Flooding in Johor, Malaysia, January 2018. Credit: NDMA

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