20 Dec 2021 | 08:34 AM UTC
Malaysia: Flooding ongoing across central regions through Dec. 22 /update 1
Flooding ongoing across central regions of Malaysia through Dec. 22. Transport disruptions, evacuations ongoing.
Event
Flooding is ongoing across parts of central and northern West Malaysia as of Dec. 20. Authorities have evacuated at least 41,000 people from Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Selangor, and Terengganu states as well as the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, including at least 32,000 people from Selangor State. The Tenaga Nasional Berhad shut down power to 333 substations across Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor states as well as the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, affecting at least 17,000 people. At least seven people have been killed in Selangor State, and another person has died in Kuantan, Pahang State due to the flooding.
As of Dec. 20, all rain warnings have been lifted. Floodwaters in parts of Selangor State and Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur have begun to recede.
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
In Kuala Lumpur, the Jalan Rahmat near the World Trade Centre, as well as roads in Kampung Seri Delima, Jinjang Selatan and Lorong Jambu Laut, Kampung Batu Delima, remain closed. 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.
