03 Jan 2022 | 04:40 AM UTC
Malaysia: Heavy rain forecast across most of West Malaysia and northern East Malaysia through Jan. 3. Flooding ongoing as of Jan. 3. /update 4
Heavy rain forecast across western and northeastern Malaysia through Jan. 3. Flooding, evacuations ongoing as of Jan. 3.
Event
Heavy rain is forecast across most of West Malaysia and northern East Malaysia through at least Jan. 3. Flooding is ongoing across parts of central and northern West Malaysia and far northern East Malaysia as of Jan. 3. At least 13,000 people remain evacuated in Johor, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Selangor, and Terengganu states. Flooding has killed at least 50 people across the affected area, including 25 in Selangor State and 19 in Pahang State.
Through at least Jan. 3, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) danger heavy and continuous rain warnings across Johor and southeastern Pahang states and orange severe heavy and continuous rain warnings over Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, central Pahang, and northern Sabah states. Yellow continuous rain warnings are in place across the rest of the affected area. Additional rainfall is likely to cause disruptions and hamper relief and recovery operations in the affected area. Authorities have also warned of high tides in coastal areas, especially on the western coasts of West Malaysia, through Jan. 5.
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.
