Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
28-11-2024
What happened, where and when?
Between 1 November and 20 December 2024, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued several weather alerts for the Northeast Monsoon 2024/2025, which began on 5 November 2024 and is expected to last until March 2025. METMalaysia forecasted five to seven episodes of heavy rain during this period. The Early Phase brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah, causing severe flooding across these states. This was supported by a statement from the METMalaysia Director General, as reported by local media.
Weather Phases and Impact Analysis
Early Phase (November–December 2024): The early Phase of the Northeast Monsoon, from 5 November to December 2024, brought heavy rainfall to regions such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah, leading to severe flooding. Notably, from 8 to 14 December 2024, a monsoon surge increased the intensity and duration of rainfall. States like Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang faced continuous heavy rain and strong winds, causing the third wave of flooding. This followed earlier waves, with the first wave hitting Kelantan and Terengganu on 5 November 2024 and the second wave occurring on 11 December 2024.
Mid Phase (January–February 2025): In the Mid Phase of the Northeast Monsoon, or Monsun Timur Laut (MTL), from January to February 2025, heavy rain is expected to impact Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah. Strong monsoon surges, along with low-pressure systems, may lead to continuous rainfall. This weather pattern is likely to increase the risk of localized flooding, landslides, and disruptions.
Late Phase (January–March 2025): As the MTL phase recedes between January and March 2025, Northern Peninsular Malaysia is expected to experience reduced rainfall, resulting in hot and dry conditions. This could lead to heatwaves in affected areas. However, the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to begin late in 2024 and continue into mid-2025, is predicted to moderate these conditions and reduce the severity of heatwaves compared to 2024.
Weather Alerts in December 2024
On 20 December 2024, METMalaysia issued a Severe Continuous Rain Warning (Orange) and a Continuous Rain Alert (Yellow), effective until 22 December 2024. The Orange warning was issued for the following districts in Sarawak: Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, and Bintulu, where intense rainfall could lead to severe flooding. The Yellow alert affected the districts of Kapit, Miri, and Limbang in Sarawak, as well as Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau, Tambunan, Sandakan, and Kudat in Sabah.
As of 4 January 2025, Malaysia is still grappling with severe flooding caused by the ongoing Northeast Monsoon, which began in November 2024 and is expected to persist until March 2025. The eastern coastal states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor have been the hardest hit, with heavy rainfall leading to widespread flooding, displacement, and significant disruptions to daily life. METMalaysia forecasts an additional five to seven episodes of heavy rainfall during this monsoon season, signalling that the situation may continue for several months.
The floods have caused substantial damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, with roads, airports, and railways particularly affected in the East Coast states. This has disrupted intercity connectivity and hampered relief efforts. Landslides have compounded the crisis, underscoring the need for stronger disaster mitigation and response strategies. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reported approximately CHF 1.79 million in losses due to the destruction of rice and paddy plantations, exacerbating the economic impact on affected communities.
The floods have affected nine states across Malaysia, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Perak, Melaka, and Perlis. Satellite imagery from UNOSAT shows that Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah were the most severely impacted, with floodwaters initially covering approximately 11,000 km² in Terengganu and Kelantan, affecting 120,000 people. In Kedah, the floods impacted 1.3 million people across 268 km², with significant damage to cropland, which persists even as waters begin to recede.
While recovery is underway in some areas, challenges remain in others. As of 3 January 2025, Johor has fully recovered, with all evacuees allowed to return home and the last relief centre in Kota Tinggi closed. However, in Kelantan, 36 evacuees from Pasir Mas remain at Sekolah Kebangsaan Gual Tok Deh in Rantau Panjang, highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts in the state. Despite the improvements in certain regions, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the monsoon season expected to bring more heavy rainfall.