More than 30 dead as floods wreak havoc in Malaysia and southern Thailand
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and both countries are preparing shelters and evacuation plans in anticipation of more heavy rain.
Severe floods caused by monsoon rains have killed more than 30 people and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, officials said on Tuesday, with both countries preparing shelters and evacuation plans in anticipation of more heavy rain.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said five days of heavier-than-expected rain that battered the country’s east coast last week was equal to the rainfall over the past six months, wreaking havoc in the north-eastern state of Kelantan and neighbouring Terengganu.
The heavy downpours damaged roads and houses in Kelantan and other parts of Malaysia.
Mr Anwar said it will cost the government an estimated 1 billion ringgit (£177 million) to repair infrastructure damaged by the floods.
The rain eased over the weekend, but the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain later on Tuesday.
Mr Anwar said the government is bracing for another monsoon surge that is expected to hit on Sunday.
At least six people died in Malaysia, while the death toll was higher in southern Thailand.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said on Tuesday that 25 people have died in floods in the southernmost part of the country in the past week.
More than 300,000 households have been affected, with many schools and 98 health facilities forced to close. The health ministry said 34,354 evacuees remained at 491 government shelters on Monday.
Authorities have prepared shelter, water pumps, evacuation trucks and boats, and put rescue workers on stand-by to prepare for more downpours.
The floods have affected tourism, with Malaysian officials urging citizens to defer travel plans to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination.
