Flooding, landslides, and storms in
Peninsular, Malaysia and southern Thailand
27 December 2023

Source: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance

References:

• https://ahacentre.org/flash-update/flash-update-no-01-flooding-landslides-and-storms-in-peninsular-malaysia-and-southern-thailand-27-december-2023/
• https://reliefweb.int/report/thailand/flooding-landslides-and-storms-peninsular-malaysia-and-southern-thailand-flash-update-1-wednesday-27-december-2023-2030-hrs-utc-7

Agensi Pengurusan Bencana (NADMA) of Malaysia has confirmed occurrences of flooding in 17 districts across the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan. Moreover, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in Thailand reported significant impacts in Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala Provinces from December 25 to 27, 2023.

On December 25, according to Malaysian authorities, the water level in the Golok River rose to 11.04 meters, surpassing the previous record of 10.84 meters set in 2014. Subsequently, on December 26, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) issued a severe and dangerous warning for Kelantan and Terengganu. By December 27, the impact extended to both Malaysia and Thailand, leading to the evacuation of over 25,000 individuals from their homes in Kelantan and Terengganu. The heightened water volume of the Golok River reached a record high, causing flooding in every community along the bordering areas of Thailand.

Flooding has been reported in Malaysia, as mentioned. This has led to two fatalities and the displacement of 7,975 families (25,676 individuals), currently accommodated in 133 evacuation centers. The paddy and agro-food sectors incurred damage to an estimated area of 5,154.68 hectares, resulting in a total loss of MYR24.1 million. In response to the situation, evacuation measures are being implemented at the Ketua Pengarah Bomba Evacuation Center (KP BOMBA). The Malaysia Special Disaster Rescue and Assistance Team (SMART) is actively providing crucial air support to facilitate the evacuation process. According to the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC), since December 25, 2022, storms associated with the northeastern monsoon are forecasted to persist, posing risks of strong winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall. The adverse weather conditions are expected to affect regions with prolonged impacts extending to the western sea continent, encompassing Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. Flood warnings have been issued by MetMalaysia for Pahang and Johor states, highlighting the potential consequences of the Northeast Monsoon-related storms.

From December 22 to 27, 2023, the impact in Thailand resulted in affecting a total of 80,491 households, approximately 400,000 people. As of December 27, 2023, a persistent flooding scenario is observed in the five provinces in the southern region, with 73,927 households affected, approximately 369,000 people. The impact on agricultural production in Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala Provinces has affected 22,766 people and an area covering 39,673 rai. The affected area is currently undergoing a survey to assess the extent of the damage, with a breakdown of 10,914 rai for rice, 3,414 rai for field crops and vegetables, and an additional 25,345 rai for horticulture, among other agricultural communities. The countermeasures or policies to encounter this situation, the authorities and government agencies have been dispatched to the impacted areas to assist in acquiring food packaging and survival kits. Additionally, efforts are being made to alleviate the flooding situation by expediting the drainage of water in the affected areas and providing further assistance to the affected people. At present, 5 provinces have returned to normal conditions, but the northeastern monsoon is still reported to persist over the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea. This atmospheric condition increases the likelihood of heavy rainfall in southern Thailand.

Download a Word file, Click here ------------ >Flooding, Landslides, and Storms in Peninsular Malaysia and Southern