Malaysia and Thailand battle devastating floods: deaths rise, thousands displaced, more rain expected

Residents in Tumpat, Malaysia, return to submerged homes as deadly floods, the worst in decades, begin to ease. Torrential rains have killed dozens across Malaysia and Thailand, damaging homes and crops, with more heavy rain forecast later this week.

Residents in the Malaysian town of Tumpat have begun returning to waterlogged homes and shops as deadly floodwaters receded in some areas following the worst flooding in decades over the weekend. However, more heavy rain is forecast as early as Tuesday.

Peninsular Malaysia, particularly its northeastern coast, and southern Thailand have been pummelled by torrential rains, resulting in devastating floods that have claimed dozens of lives, destroyed homes and transport links, and inundated thousands of acres of rice fields.

"Electricity was cut off, and there was no water supply. So, we were stuck, sitting there as if we were in the middle of the sea, surrounded by water," said one resident. "You could hear the sound of water rushing, cutting through the silence of the night."

Muhamad Alim, another local, said he was fortunate that his family had sufficient food supplies and was able to stay at home until the waters subsided.

In Malaysia, six people have lost their lives, and over 150,000 were evacuated during the height of the floods last week, according to government data. In Thailand, the death toll stands at 25, with more than 300,000 households still affected, according to the interior ministry.

As of Tuesday morning, the number of people in temporary shelters in Malaysia had dropped to just under 95,000, although authorities remain vigilant, warning of a potential second wave of flooding this week.

Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has forecast a wind convergence beginning on Tuesday, which could bring heavy rainfall, with a monsoon surge expected to follow on 8 December.

In Thailand, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings for the southern region, cautioning residents to prepare for heavy to very heavy rain, potential flash floods, and overflows between 3-5 December.

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