Malaysia Grapples with Widespread Monsoon Floods, Over 11,000 Displaced
Malaysia is currently grappling with widespread flooding, a severe consequence of relentless torrential rains that have impacted seven of its states. Over 11,000 individuals have been displaced as of November 24th, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). These annual monsoon floods, which typically occur between October and March, are a recurring challenge for Malaysia's eastern coast, displacing thousands each year.
Kelantan Heavily Impacted, Relief Efforts Underway
The state of Kelantan, situated in the northeast and bordering Thailand, bears the brunt of the crisis, reporting a staggering 8,228 people affected. Other impacted states include Kedah, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Terengganu, and Selangor. NADMA's report, updated at 6 am local time on November 24th, confirmed that 11,009 people from 3,839 families have sought refuge.
Authorities have swiftly established sixty temporary relief shelters across the affected regions to accommodate those forced from their homes. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported amidst the widespread displacement, marking a critical aspect of the ongoing response efforts.
Landslide Strands Hundreds in Perlis
In a separate, but related incident, continuous rainfall on November 23rd triggered a significant landslide in Wang Kelian, a village located in the northwestern state of Perlis. Approximately 400 people were left stranded by this event. State media, citing district police officials via Bernama, reported that these individuals found safety and shelter in a mosque situated on higher ground.
As Malaysia navigates this challenging period of extreme weather, the focus remains squarely on providing immediate relief and crucial support to the thousands affected by both the floods and the landslide. The annual monsoon season continues to underscore the critical need for robust preparedness measures and effective disaster response mechanisms throughout the region.