Relentless rainfall has triggered devastating floods across Malaysia’s northern states, forcing more than 122,000 people to evacuate their homes, disaster management officials confirmed on Saturday. This surpasses the 118,000 evacuations recorded during the catastrophic floods of 2014. Officials warn that the number of displaced individuals could rise further as heavy rains persist.
The death toll currently stands at four, with fatalities reported in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Kelantan remains the hardest hit, accounting for 63% of the evacuees, according to data from the National Disaster Management Agency. Terengganu has also seen significant displacements, with nearly 35,000 residents forced to leave their homes, while other evacuations have been reported from seven additional states.
In Kelantan’s Pasir Puteh town, streets have turned into waterways. “My area has been flooded since Wednesday, and the water is just inches away from entering my house,” said Zamrah Majid, a local resident. Despite the dire conditions, some residents have received aid from NGOs, including food supplies.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has warned that the downpours will likely continue until Sunday in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak. Thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed to the affected regions, utilizing rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has pledged humanitarian support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to express solidarity and announced that aid would be dispatched immediately. Both leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and planned high-level visits in the coming months.
