Malaysia: Heavy rainfall forecast to continue in multiple regions through at least Jan. 14 /update 3

Event

Heavy rains and thunderstorms continue to affect parts of Malaysia as of Jan. 13, killing at least four people and displacing at least 20,000 others. Sabah and Sarawak states have continued to experience flooding as of Jan. 13, and may face additional flooding in the coming days. The state agency Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts rains to persist through at least Jan. 14 in parts of northeast Sabah, including Kudat and Sandakan, and western Sarawak, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian divisions. Severe weather conditions have also led to flooding in parts of Johor, Kelantan, and Pahang states, though the flooding is reportedly receding in the locations. Affected areas include Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, Pontian, and Segamat in Johor; Kuala Krai and Pasir Mas in Kelantan; and Kuantan, Maran, Pekan, and Temerloh in Pahang. Disruptions will likely continue in the affected areas in the coming days as flooding subsides.

Reports also indicate recent flooding in Perak, Selangor, and Terengganu states have receded as of Jan. 13. Lingering disruptions are possible in the coming days as conditions improve.

Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding in parts of the country, especially the low-lying and coastal areas. 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 cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable in parts of Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Sabah, and Sarawak states, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes impacted by floodwaters. Additionally, officials may close roads, harbors, and airports, like Kuching International Airport (KCH) and Sandakan Airport (SDK), if the severe weather persists.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding may 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
Malaysian Meteorological Department Twitter