Malaysia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of Johor and Sabah states as of Jan. 26 /update 1

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Johor and Sabah states as of Jan. 26 following heavy rainfall since Jan. 23 associated with the Northeast Monsoon.

As of the Jan. 26, authorities in Johor State have reported that more than 5,500 people have been evacuated to 55 relief centers across the state. The worst-affected districts include Segamat, Kluang, and Mersing. River levels are at dangerous levels in several watercourses across the state. Road closures have been reported in Mersing and Kota Tinggi districts. Authorities in Sabah State have reported more than 6,300 people have been evacuated to 26 relief centers across the state. The worst-affected districts include Kota Marudu, Kudat, and Paitan.

The Malaysian Meteorological Service has forecast further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the affected areas in the coming days. Yellow continuous rain warnings (the lowest level in a three-tier scale) have been issued across much of Johor through at least Jan. 30. Thunderstorm warnings have been issued for interior parts of Sabah State late Jan. 26, and further isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the state through at least Feb. 1. 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 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)