Floods displace thousands in Malaysia

’ Multiple states affected, with Selangor being hardest hit, following heavy rain expected to continue over the weekend

Hazlin Hassan Malaysia Correspondent In Kuala Lumpur

Continuous heavy rain since Friday caused floods in at least five Malaysian states, with Selangor bearing the brunt in terms of evacuations, and more rain was expected over the weekend.

“A total of 3,086 victims have been evacuated so far. The highest number of victims is from Klang (2,604), and 17 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate them,” Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis was quoted as saying by The Star daily.

The fire and rescue department’s assistant directorgeneral for operations, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, said Selangor, Melaka, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang were among the states affected. Two deaths were reported, one in Pahang and the other in Terengganu.

“For Klang, the worst is still not over, as besides the downpour, the high tide also caused widespread flooding,” Mr Nor Hisham said.

He advised the public, especially those in low-lying areas, to get their personal documents ready and to be prepared to evacuate, as the next 24 hours would be crucial.

Dozens of people in Klang had to spend the night in their cars or at their workplaces after roads became impassable.