Floods in Malaysia and Thailand leave 12 dead, thousands displaced
Floods in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand have claimed the lives of at least 12 people, and 135,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes. Authorities warn that the number of casualties may increase.
9:46 AM EST, December 1, 2024
In Malaysia, approximately 122,000 people have been displaced, while in Thailand, around 13,000 individuals were evacuated. According to authorities, the disaster has affected over half a million households in Thailand. Two hospitals were closed due to the threat of flooding, and a state of emergency was declared in six provinces.
In Malaysia, the greatest damage was reported in the state of Kelantan in the northeast, although eight other states have also been impacted. The number of evacuees has already surpassed that of 2014, when the country faced one of the worst floods in its history.
Deadly monsoon rains
Malaysian meteorological services warn that heavy rains may persist until Sunday. In Thailand, forecasts suggest that the rainfall could continue until next week.
Monsoon rains are typical for both countries at this time of year, and floods are not uncommon. In 2021, 14 people died in Malaysia, and a decade earlier in Thailand, the disaster claimed over 500 lives and damaged millions of homes.
