Malaysia: Evacuations due to flooding ongoing across parts of Kedah State as of Sept. 23

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Kedah State as of Sept. 23 following heavy rainfall in recent days. Authorities have evacuated around 8,000 people to dozens of relief centers across the state. Kota Setar District is the worst affected area, with more than 5,000 people evacuated. The flood situation is improving in some areas and only two rivers remain at dangerous levels as of Sept. 23; however, further showers and storms are expected across Kedah State over the coming days and additional rainfall may exacerbate the situation.

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.

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.