Malaysia: Floods and Landslides - Dec 2022

Heavy rainfall has caused floods across southern Malay Peninsula (Malaysia) and northern Sumatra (Indonesia), as reported by ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet). In Malaysia, 2,550 people have been displaced to 29 evacuation centres across the states of Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu. (ECHO, 12 Dec 2022)

A landslide occurred on the late evening of 15 December in Batang Kali Town (Selangor state, Peninsular Malaysia), approximately 50 km north-east of Kuala Lampur capital city. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), 16 people have died and 17 others are missing as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities have rescued more than 60 individuals. (ECHO, 16 Dec 2022)

Northeast Monsoon have caused a series of floods and landslides in several states. As of 19 December 2022, a total of 81 flooded areas and 15 landslides, and 5 roads and 3 bridges in 20 districts in 5 states (Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Terengganu) with a total of 8,201 families/28,686 persons displaced in 308 evacuation centres. As of 18 December 2022, 94 people were affected by landslide on 16 December 2022 at the campsite in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, Selangor State. 61 persons were rescued alive, 24 found dead, 9 persons still missing. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) warned that several areas in the districts of Kuala Terengganu, Besut, Setiu, Hulu Terengganu, Dungun and Kemaman were expected to be hit by floods starting from 19 December 2022. The current monsoon is expected to last until 24 December 2022, potentially bringing strong winds, big waves and persistent rainfall in the northern and east coast states. Search and rescue and evacuation operations are ongoing. The government identified flood hotspots nationwide. (ECHO, 19 Dec 2022)

Following widespread floods that are hitting the states of Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu, the number of fatalities reached five people. More than 63,000 people have been displaced and most of them were evacuated in 458 evacuation centres (ASEAN Disaster Information Network - ADINet). For the next 24 hours, moderate rain is expected over southern Thailand while heavy, very heavy rainfall is forecast across north-eastern Malaysia. (ECHO, 20 Dec 2022)

As of 21 Dec 2022, a total of 108 areas are flooded and 16 landslides occurred, as well as 7 roads and 3 bridges were reportedly damaged by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR). Agensi Pengurusan Bencana (NADMA) Malaysia has reported flooding and landslides in 20 districts in the states of Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu with a total of 5 persons dead and 20,554 families/72,510 persons displaced in 418 evacuation centres. A total of 61 persons were rescued alive, 26 found dead, and 7 missing from landslides in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, Selangor States. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has been mobilised to respond to the disasters. Personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Civil Defence Force and other agencies were also mobilised to provide support and evacuate the affected people. [...] These disasters are still within the capacity of the Government of Malaysia (State Level). (AHA Centre, 21 Dec 2022)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting northern Peninsular Malaysia (particularly Perak, and Terengganu States) since 11 January, causing floods that have resulted in evacuations and damage. The ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet) reports, as of 16 January, more than 160 evacuated people in two evacuation centres and three damaged roads across Kampar (southern Perak State) and Hulu Terengganu (central Terengganu State) districts. (ECHO, 16 Jan 2023)

Since 24 January, heavy rain and widespread floods have been affecting parts of Malaysia both the peninsular areas and the Malaysian regions of Borneo Island, resulting in displacement and damage. The most affected states are Johor, Pahang, and Sabah States. According to media reports, more than 5,000 people have been evacuated across several localities of Johor State and more than 6,000 people have been evacuated in Sabah State due to floods. (ECHO, 26 Jan 2023)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting six states of the country, particularly Johor State (southern Malay Peninsula) over the past few days, causing floods and resulting in casualties and damage. According to media reports, one person died, and 26,000 have been evacuated (of which 25,000 in Johr State). (ECHO, 2 Mar 2023)

Southern Malay Peninsula continues to be affected by heavy rainfall and widespread floods, resulting in evacuations and damage. The most affected Staes are Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor. According to the ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet), as of 5 March at 22.00 UTC, almost 53,000 people have been displaced and sheltered in 303 evacuation centres. (ECHO, 6 Mar 2023)

Following the escalation of heavy raining and monsoon flooding in Malaysia, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported more than 27,000 people were evacuated in Johor. According to the AHA Centre and media at least 46,630 people have been displaced by seasonal floods, 42,501 remain at the flood evacuation centres, while at least four people were killed. The worst affected area was Johor, the southern state neighbouring Singapore. The Government of Malaysia deployed SMART (Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team) to respond to the disasters. In addition, the Prime Minister also visited Johor. Malaysian Red Crescent Society carried out relief and supply distribution. Some roads were closed due to rising water levels, including one that was affected due to landslides. (ECHO, 7 Mar 2023)

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been affecting eastern Malaysia (the Malaysian part of the Borneo Island), in particular the western State of Sarawak, over the past 48 hours, causing floods that have resulted in evacuations and damage. The ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet) reports, as of 20 March, nearly 250 evacuated people (a part of these in two evacuation centres) and a number of affected people across the Kuching City area (the Capital of Sarawak State). Media also report several flooded roads across the city. (ECHO, 20 Mar 2023)