Flooding across Malaysia has forced more than 20,000 people into emergency shelters as the disaster rapidly spreads to eight states, overwhelming relief efforts.
A total of 20,146 individuals from affected communities are now housed in 119 temporary relief centers across the country. The state of Pahang became the latest region to report displacements early Monday.
Selangor, a densely populated state, saw its number of evacuees surge to 2,697 people from 740 families by 8:00 AM local time Monday. This marked a significant increase from 1,732 reported Sunday night, prompting the opening of 19 shelters, up from 15.
In Kelantan, one of the worst-hit states, the number of displaced individuals reached 9,959 people from 3,643 families. Forty relief centers are now operational across four districts: Kota Bharu, Tumpat, Bachok, and Pasir Puteh. Water levels in the Golok River at Rantau Panjang were recorded at 8.55 meters, exceeding the warning level by 0.55 meters and continuing to rise.
This morning, in Sungai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, low-lying areas have started to flood. Water levels in the Golok River are at a critical stage, 0.15 meters above the critical level and continue to rise. Evacuation centers have been opened and are ready to receive people.
— กรมป้องกันและบรรเทาสาธารณภัย DDPM (@DDPMNews) December 25, 2023
Perlis also experienced a continuous rise in evacuees, with 2,694 people from 795 families now staying in 13 shelters across Padang Besar, Arau, and Kangar.
Pahang, located on the east coast, reported its first flood victims. The Raub District Disaster Management Committee confirmed one temporary shelter opened in Kampung Ulu Sungai late Sunday night, housing 23 people. The Kuala Mendang River in Lipis district registered 85.35 meters, surpassing its danger level of 84.5 meters.
Meanwhile, Kedah saw its evacuee count rise to 1,632 individuals from 525 families, who are now in 12 shelters in Kubang Pasu and Kulim districts. Four rivers in the state have exceeded dangerous levels. In Perak, 2,678 people from 845 families are in 29 shelters, with Manjung district being the most affected. The Bidor and Slim rivers in Perak also pose danger.
Amidst the escalating crisis, some areas reported minor improvements. Penang saw a slight decrease in evacuees to 366 people from 96 families, although cloudy weather persisted across most of the state Monday morning.
Terengganu’s situation significantly improved, with evacuee numbers falling to 97 people from 37 families. All 51 river monitoring stations throughout the state reported normal water levels.
Authorities urged residents to closely monitor the flood situation and prepare for further evacuations. Continuous rainfall in multiple areas is expected to exacerbate water levels.
Another round of evacuation for the millionth time..😭😭
Flooding in Sungai Kolok 25/12/23#น้ำท่วม #สุไหงโก-ลก #นราธิวาส #มาเลเซีย #ฝนตก #สุไหงโก-ลกวันนี้ pic.twitter.com/dK0T4l8s4t— Narathiwat Today (@NarathiwatToday) December 25, 2023