Severe floods affect millions, claim over 30 lives in Thailand and Malaysia
Heavy rains have unleashed devastating floods across Thailand and Malaysia, leaving over 30 dead, displacing tens of thousands, and causing widespread destruction, officials reported on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Image credit: NADMA Malaysia
- The floods have claimed over 30 lives, with 25 fatalities in southern Thailand and at least six in Malaysia.
- Approximately 85 000 people in Malaysia and 34 354 in Thailand have sought refuge in shelters due to widespread flooding.
- Over 38 000 hectares (93 900 acres) of paddy fields in Malaysia’s key rice-producing regions have been destroyed, alongside significant infrastructure damage and disruptions to businesses.
Severe floods caused by heavy rains have devastated parts of Thailand and Malaysia, claiming over 30 lives, according to official reports on Tuesday, December 3.
In Malaysia, torrential rainfall over the east coast last week matched totals typically recorded over six months, leading to widespread destruction in Kelantan and Terengganu. Floodwaters have submerged crops, destroyed roads and homes, and displaced tens of thousands of residents.
Although rain subsided over the weekend, authorities in both countries are preparing for further flooding as another monsoon surge began on Sunday, December 1. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Malaysia through Tuesday.
Over 38 000 ha (93 900 acres) of paddy fields in key rice-producing regions of Malaysia have been destroyed. Rail services have been suspended, and businesses and farmers are struggling to recover.
Malaysian officials have advised citizens to defer travel plans to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination, until conditions improve.
Approximately 85 000 people across seven Malaysian states sought refuge in schools, community halls, and relief centers as of Tuesday.
Earlier, on Sunday, displacement numbers peaked at about 150 000, with Kelantan and Terengganu accounting for 88% of the evacuees. At least six people have lost their lives.
Relief efforts are underway, with boats delivering food to those stranded.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed on Tuesday that 25 people had died over the past week due to the floods.
Over 534 000 households were affected, forcing the closure of many schools and 98 health facilities. As of Monday, December 2, 34 354 evacuees were housed in 491 government shelters.
While water levels have receded in some areas, Thai authorities have issued warnings for more heavy rains through Thursday, raising concerns about potential flash floods. Preparedness measures include setting up shelters, deploying water pumps and evacuation trucks, and stationing rescue teams on standby.
Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has predicted a wind convergence in Kelantan and Terengganu from Wednesday to Thursday, which may bring additional thunderstorms and heavy rains.
This is expected to be followed by a monsoon surge spanning December 8 to 14 across Peninsular Malaysia.
Similarly, Thailand’s Meteorological Department has urged residents in the lower south to remain vigilant for heavy to very heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding, particularly in foothill regions, waterways, and low-lying areas, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Reference:
1 Thailand, Malaysia brace for fresh wave of floods as water levels ease – Reuters – December 2, 2024
2 Floods wreak havoc in Malaysia, southern Thailand with over 30 killed, tens of thousands displaced – AP – December 3, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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