Malaysia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Johor State as of March 6 /update 2

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across much of Johor State as of March 6 following heavy rainfall associated with the Northeast Monsoon. As of March 6, authorities have evacuated more than 49,000 people to 264 temporary relief centers across the state. Batu Pahat and Segamat are the worst-affected districts of the state, with around 21,000 and 11,000 evacuees respectively. Authorities have confirmed one fatality in Kluang District and two other fatalities in Jalan Kwongsai in Chaah Town. River levels are at dangerous levels in several watercourses across the state. Emergency crews have closed at least 44 roads across eight districts of Johor due to flooding and landslides. The Malaysian Meteorological Service has forecast further isolated showers and thunderstorms across Johor State through at least March 12. 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 additional 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 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)