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Malaysia

Malaysia: Flash Floods 2022 - DREF Operation N° MDRMY009 - Final Report

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Description of the Event

What happened, where and when?

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had predicted that the northeast monsoon period would commence on 7 November 2022, earlier than anticipated, and persist until March 2023. This forecast materialized, with the monsoon rains continuing through March 2023. This protracted rainfall resulted in widespread flooding across the Malaysian peninsula, impacting the states of Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Selangor, as well as exacerbating the pre-existing flood situation in Kelantan and Terengganu from December 2022.

In Terengganu state, a minimum of eight districts were affected by the floods, necessitating the evacuation of 40,318 people to 296 evacuation centers. Among these evacuees were 13,356 children, 1,649 elderly individuals, and 223 people with disabilities. Kemaman emerged as the most severely affected district, followed by Besut, Hulu Terengganu, Setiu, Dungun, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, and Marang. As of the morning of 19 December 2022, four rivers in Terengganu had reached hazardous levels.

In Kelantan state, a minimum of nine districts were impacted by the floods, leading to the evacuation of 30,862 individuals to 136 evacuation centers. Among these evacuees were 12,166 children, 1,114 elderly individuals, and 129 people with disabilities. Additionally, twelve roads in four Kelantan districts had to be closed. By 19 December 2022, the water levels of eight major rivers in Kelantan had exceeded the danger threshold.

In addition to Kelantan and Terengganu, several rivers in four other states (Kedah, Selangor, Melaka, and Sarawak) recorded water level readings above their danger levels. In Terengganu and Kelantan, the majority of houses in flood-affected villages were partially submerged, with floodwaters reaching heights of up to three meters in those areas.

Johor was the hardest-hit state during the March 2023 flood, with over 42,000 people evacuated to relief centers. The extent of the flooding in March exceeded historical averages, marking an unprecedented event. In total, 113,180 people were affected by flooding from December 2022 until March 2023.