Floods In Johor, Sabah, Sarawak & Other States Forces Thousands To Evacuate
While we’re here enjoying the good weather because of the monsoon rain, Malaysia has been having a comparatively rougher time.
More than 5,000 people in Johor were affected and forced to evacuate their homes due to the heavy monsoon flood, according to The Straits Times.
Those that have evacuated from their homes in Johor are currently taking shelter in 53 flood evacuation centres located around Johor.
The Johor Disaster Management committee has reported that the most affected area in Johor was Mersing with 1,262 victims, followed by Kota Tinggi town with 1,071 victims.
Most of the affected areas are away from the Johor city area, so Singaporeans who regularly cross the border should generally not be in harm’s way.
To help those affected by the flood, the Johor government has allocated $360,000 (RM1,1M) that will be used for food and shelter.
Several other states affected by flood
Johor was not the only state affected by the heavy monsoon rain. Several other states including Melaka, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak also faced major floods.
Johor’s Urban Well-Being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said that Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has issued a red weather warning for Mersing and Kota Tinggi district, which indicates “Danger”.
Other districts such as Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Pontian, Kulai and Johor have received an orange weather warning, indicating “Severe”.
Floods have caused 2 deaths
Although thousands of people were safely evacuated, there were a few who did not manage to pull through.
It was reported that the flood claimed 2 lives in Kelantan, a 7-year-old boy and a 49-year-old man.
People in Sarawak faced major issues such as not being able to cook due to empty gas cylinders and damp wood, meaning some of them had to go on without food.
Stay safe and keep dry
With floods becoming more prominent in more states and districts around Malaysia, do note that this may not be the best time for a holiday trip over.
But if you do go, make sure to stay updated on the latest flood information here and keep yourself safe.
Let’s all hope that the situation will soon be better and that everyone remains safe while the floods subside.
MS News sends our condolences to those affected.
Featured images adapted from New Straits Times and Malay Mail.
