Malaysia: Heavy rain forecast across most of West Malaysia and northern East Malaysia through Jan. 4. Flooding, evacuations ongoing. /update 5

Event

Heavy rain is forecast across most of West Malaysia and northern East Malaysia through at least Jan. 4. Flooding is ongoing across parts of central and northern West Malaysia and far northern East Malaysia. At least 15,000 people remain evacuated in Johor, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Selangor, and Terengganu states. Flooding has killed at least 51 people across the affected area, including 25 in Selangor State and 19 in Pahang State.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) severe continuous rain warnings over eastern Johor and southern Pahang states through at least Jan. 4. Yellow continuous rain warnings are also in place across Johor, southern Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, eastern Pahang, and northern Sabah states. 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. The high tides could flood low-lying areas, especially those without coastal protection in place. High river levels will likely exacerbate the situation, resulting in larger floods. Selangor State has closed Pantai Kelanang, Pantai Baru Morib, Pantai Morib, Pantai Batu Laut, Pantai Cunang, Taman Harmoni Morib, Istana Bahagia Morib, and Tanjung Sepat Jetty to the public.

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 likely 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.

Resources

Malaysian Meteorological Department (Malay)