Golok River reaches highest level since 1997, displacing over 71 000 across northern Malaysia

Widespread flooding is affecting 24 districts across 6 Malaysian states, with the worst affected Kelantan (10 districts), Terengganu (7 districts), Kedah (4 districts), and one each district in Perlis, Johor, and Perak.

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Kelantan was the worst affected with 50 236 people from 15 569 families displaced. Authorities have set up 322 temporary shelters to help those affected.

Authorities confirmed two deaths in Kelantan, one in Terengganu and one in Sarawak.

The Golok River, which borders Thailand and Malaysia, has recently risen to 11.62 m (38.12 feet) breaking its 1997 record of 11.56 m (37.93 feet).

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Red alert for heavy rain in Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu, warning that the dangerous rainfall will continue until November 29.

The floods have caused 2 deaths from electrocution in Kelantan leading authorities to turn off power at 17 substations for safety. People in affected areas are facing major challenges in daily life. Videos on social media show homes and farms underwater with animals left stranded.

In Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, floodwaters have reached the highest levels in over 40 years even submerging some flood relief centers.

“The town is completely paralyzed, worse than in 2014. Everyone is very worried,” Ila Majid, a resident told reporters.

Heavy rains have badly damaged infrastructure in Kelantan with major roads flooded, blocking access to essential services in many areas. Homes and businesses have also been affected including a floating restaurant that was swept away by the swollen Kelantan River. The owner’s video of the incident touched many people online with users sharing fond memories of the restaurant.

Power cuts have made the situation worse as stations were shut down for safety. Rescue teams are working hard using boats and wading through knee-high water to evacuate stranded residents.

According to local meteorologists, the northeast monsoon season, which runs from November to March, regularly brings flooding to Peninsular Malaysia. However, this year’s wet season coincides with the La Niña weather phenomenon, raising concerns that intensified rainfall could trigger extreme flooding well into the coming month.

The Golok River’s record-high water levels are similar to conditions in southern Thailand where provinces like Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are also flooded. In some places, water has risen to rooftops leading to large-scale evacuations.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department reports that Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang will continue to see heavy rain until November 29, increasing the risk of severe flooding.

The current river level of 11.62 m (38.12 feet) is much higher than the 2014 floods which peaked at 10.84 m (35.56 feet) and displaced nearly a quarter-million Malaysians.

References:

¹ LAPORAN TERKINI KEJADIAN BENCANA DI SELURUH NEGARA – NADMA – Issued at 12:00 LT on November 29, 2024

² Nearly 40,000 evacuated as northern Malaysia ‘completely paralysed’ by severe floods – South China Morning Post – November 28, 2024

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

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