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The situation
The heavy seasonal rains and strong winds have affected most parts of Malaysia since mid-December 2014 and are expected to continue until early January 2015. The rains caused severe flooding in the East Coast – Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan states. In addition to the three most affected states, four other states in Peninsular Malaysia (Perak, Johor, Selangor and Perlis states) and one state in East Malaysia (Sabah) also are experiencing floods due to the heavy rainfalls (highest recorded at 255 mm). More than 160,000 people have been evacuated since the onset of the flooding and at least 10 people were confirmed dead.
Reports state that roads in the flood affected states have been inundated, especially in Kelantan where 16 roads in six districts have been closed due to the rising water levels from three main rivers (Sungai Lebir, Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok). Nine of the 16 roads are now open for access as the water level has lowered. While in Terengganu, 15 roads in five districts have been closed. Rescue teams had difficulty reaching the worst affected states due to limited access and resources (boats and helicopters).
There has also been a report of an unfortunate incident involving eight deaths due to drowning when the rescue boat was trapped in a whirlpool and capsized.2 More than 100 tourists in Pahang state have been safely transferred to evacuation centres. Electricity supply was suspended and water sources were affected. The majority of houses and buildings were submerged by the flood waters in the three states.