27 Dec 2021 | 05:50 AM UTC
Malaysia: Flooding ongoing across central regions as of Dec. 27 /update 3
Flooding ongoing across central regions of Malaysia as of Dec. 27. Transport disruptions, evacuations ongoing.
Event
Flooding is ongoing across parts of central and northern West Malaysia as of Dec. 27. At least 28,000 people remain evacuated in Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor states, including at least 17,000 and 10,000 people from Pahang and Selangor states, respectively. Authorities have allowed residents to return home in areas where the floodwaters have receded. Flooding has killed at least 47 people across the affected area, including 25 in Selangor State and 19 in Pahang State. At least five people remain missing. Several places in Selangor State remain flooded, with 22 pumps operating in Kuala Langat, Petaling, and Sepang to remove floodwaters. Restoration of telecommunication towers is ongoing; authorities estimate they will complete repairs by Jan. 2.
Authorities have warned of possible flooding along rivers in parts of Kelantan and Terengganu states Dec. 30-31. Flooding is likely to cause additional disruptions and hamper relief and recovery operations in the affected area should it occur.
Hazardous Conditions
Further rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Multiple federal and state roads are closed across the affected area due to flooding. Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
