Malaysia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across peninsular regions as of Dec. 20

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of peninsular Malaysia as of Dec. 20 following heavy rainfall in recent days. The affected area includes parts of Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu states. Several major rivers across the region are overflowing following intense downpours. Authorities reported three flood-related fatalities in Tumpat in Kelantan State Dec. 19. More than 37,000 people are being housed in 310 relief centers across Terengganu State as of Dec. 20 and more than 17,000 in 106 centers across Kelantan State. A further 934 people are in evacuation centers in Johor State, 53 in Pahang State, and 54 in Perak State. Several roads in the region have been impacted by the flooding. At least six roads in Terengganu’s Setiu district which connect to neighboring Kelantan have been closed to vehicles due to the rising waters and a section of the East Coast Highway, which connects Kuala Lumpur to the Terengganu capital of Kuala Terengganu, is closed due to a landslide.

As of Dec. 20, the Malaysian Meteorological Service has issued continuous heavy rainfall warnings over parts of the affected area through Dec. 22. Red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued across Terengganu State and orange warnings over parts of northern and north-central Kelantan and southeastern Pahang states. Yellow warnings are in place over much of Johor, the rest of Kelantan, and parts of central and northern Pahang states. Additional downpours could trigger further flooding due to high river levels and saturated ground, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

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
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
JKR Disaster Management Official Website (eBENCANA)