Nation grapples with worsening floods as over 19,000 evacuated, authorities warn of escalating risks

LocalEnvironment
25 Nov 2025 • 9:01 AM MYT
The Vibes
The Vibes

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FLOODS across Malaysia has intensified, with the number of evacuees nationwide reaching 19,422 as of 6am today.

The National Disaster Command Centre reports that 112 temporary relief centres across 22 districts in eight states are currently sheltering 6,554 families. Despite the scale of the disaster, no fatalities have been reported so far.

Kelantan remains the worst-hit state, with nearly 10,000 people housed in 40 relief centres, particularly in Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok and Pasir Puteh, where water levels continue to rise. Perlis follows with 2,644 evacuees, while Perak has 2,604, mainly from the districts of Manjung, Perak Tengah and Bagan Datuk.

In Selangor, 2,119 individuals remain displaced, though flood levels in areas such as Kuala Selangor, Petaling and Klang have stabilised.

Demographic figures among the displaced reveal 5,727 adult men, 6,030 adult women, 3,193 boys, 2,992 girls, 258 male infants and 265 female infants.

Rising flood trends have been noted in several districts, including Kota Bharu and Bachok in Kelantan, Manjung, Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak and Muallim in Perak, Kubang Pasu in Kedah, and Seberang Perai Utara in Penang. Some areas, such as parts of Selangor, Besut in Terengganu and selected locations in Perlis, reported little change in flood levels.

Data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage indicate that several rivers are either breaching or nearing warning and danger levels.

These include Sungai Kemasin and Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Sungai Perlis in Perlis, Sungai Terengganu and Sungai Setiu in Terengganu, and Sungai Perai in Penang.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has maintained continuous rain warnings, with severe alerts in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Perlis and Selangor valid until November 26.

Several districts are also under thunderstorm and strong wind advisories, and rough sea conditions are expected to generate waves up to 3.5 metres, posing risks to small vessels.

The Public Works Department has reported more than 100 road closures across multiple states due to floods, flash floods, landslides, road subsidence and damaged bridges. Key affected routes include FT223 (Kota Bharu–Pantai Cahaya Bulan), FT008 (Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai–Gua Musang), FT194 and FT276 in Kedah, and FT006 in Penang.

Some roads remain completely closed, while others are restricted to heavy vehicles or single-lane traffic.

Dam monitoring shows most facilities operating normally, though several—including Congok and Bekok in Johor, Malut in Kedah, Asahan in Melaka and Timah Tasoh in Perlis—are at full capacity and under close surveillance.

Authorities have emphasised the critical importance of early preparation during the monsoon transition season.

Residents are advised to safeguard essential documents in waterproof containers or elevated locations and prepare emergency kits containing drinking water, dry food, medications, power banks, flashlights, and basic clothing sufficient for at least three days.

“During floods, safety must be the top priority,” officials said, underlining that these straightforward measures can be life-saving during emergencies. - November 25, 2025

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