Malaysia and Thailand are now facing a second wave of heavy rain and possible flooding this week, according to the authorities on Monday. This is as some displaced residents have managed to return home and the worst floods in decades began receding in some areas.
Since last week, 27 people have reportedly died and more over half a million households in the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries have been hit by heavy rains which led to serious flooding according to the authorities who added that it has been the most severe in decades.
The government data revealed on Monday that the immediate situation has improved in some areas and water levels have eased.
In Malaysia, the number of people in evacuation shelters reduced to about 128,000 people, from the 152,000 reported on Sunday, the disaster management agency’s website revealed.
In the northeastern state of Kelantan – the worst hit so far– there are worries about a fresh deluge that may begin from December 4, according to the chief minister’s office via a Facebook post on Sunday.
“Although floodwater trends show a slight decrease, (the chief minister) stressed that vigilance measures must remain at the highest level,” the post read.
In southern Thailand, however, 434,000 households are still affected, but the country’s interior ministry had said in a statement on Monday, that the numbers are down by about 100,000 from the weekend.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department additionally, sounded notes if warning to people in the country’s lower south, asking them to be beware of heavy to very heavy rains and likely flash flooding and overflows, especially along foothills near waterways and lowlands, between December 3-5.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable regions.
While the resilience of the affected communities is to be praised, the need for robust disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies is more urgent than ever.
Lastly, ongoing vigilance and preparedness are essential, even as the immediate threats in Malaysia and Thailand have seemingly subsided, authorities and communities must remain alert to respond swiftly to any new developments.
