Malaysia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Johor and Pahang states as of Jan. 9

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Johor and Pahang states as of Jan. 9 following heavy rainfall associated with the Northeast Monsoon. Authorities have evacuated more than 8,500 people to dozens of relief centers across the two states; more than 7,000 people have been evacuated in Johor and more than 1,000 in Pahang. Central, eastern, and southern parts of both states are the worst affected, including Kota Tinggi, Kluang, and Johor Baru districts in Johor and Rompin, Maran, and Pekan districts in Pahang.

Further adverse weather is expected across the region over the coming days. As of Jan. 9, the Malaysian Meteorological Service has issued a yellow continuous heavy rainfall warning (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across Pekan and Rompi districts in Pahang State and Johor Baru, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Kulai, and Mersing districts in Johor State. Further isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast through at least Jan. 15 and additional rainfall is likely across the region during the rest of the northeast monsoon season through at least early April. Additional downpours could trigger further flooding due to high river levels and saturated ground, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

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 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.

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.

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.