Malaysia floods: More than 37,000 people affected
Last Updated on November 29, 2024 10:20 am
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday that more than 37,000 people have been affected by floods in six states due to continuous heavy rains this week.
Anwar told parliament that 322 temporary shelters (PPS) have been set up for victims in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Johor and Perak.
The northeastern state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, was the worst hit by the floods, state news agency Bernama reported.
Anwar Ibrahim said 30,582 people from 9,223 families in Kelantan were affected by the disaster.
Floods are common during the annual monsoon season from October to March on Malaysia’s east coast. Thousands of people are displaced every year during this time.
Malaysia’s Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a ‘red alert’ for continuous heavy rains in the states of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu. This is a warning of dangerous rainfall and the rain is expected to continue until Friday.
Prime Minister Anwar said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has been instructed to ensure that all central and state agencies are actively working to ensure the safety of flood victims. Special emphasis has been placed on rescue operations and ensuring public safety throughout the monsoon season.
The ongoing flood situation in Kelantan and Terengganu is expected to surpass the devastating floods of 2014. This was announced by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, based on data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Speaking at a press conference after an emergency meeting on flood disaster management on Thursday, Zahid Hamidi said this year’s floods could be worse than those in 2014.
He said that the spring tide or high tide will occur on the east coast next week, which will worsen the flood situation. The flooding could increase as river water cannot mix with the sea.
Zahid Hamidi added that although Pahang and Johor have not experienced flooding in the initial stages, we are concerned that these states will also be affected by heavy rains in early December.
He explained that the water from the Terengganu river will flow into Pahang and the water from the Pahang river will flow into Johor, causing flooding. However, our current priority is Kelantan and Terengganu.