More than 3,000 people had to evacuate

(CLO) As of the morning of January 12, 2025, the number of people affected by severe flooding in Malaysia's Johor state exceeded 3,000, up from 2,524 the previous evening.

According to a report from the National Disaster Management Agency of Malaysia (NADMA), 3,295 people from 960 households in the districts of Kota Tinggi, Kulai, Johor Bahru, Kluang and Pontian had to be evacuated to 34 temporary shelters.

Rescue of flooded cars in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. Photo: Facebook

Kota Tinggi is the worst-hit area, with 1,160 people affected. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast more heavy rains in the coming days, raising the risk of flooding in other districts such as Batu Pahat and Mersing. The bad weather is believed to be due to the annual monsoon season, which lasts from October to March.

East coastal areas of Malaysia, including Johor, regularly experience floods during this time, forcing thousands of people to evacuate each year.

Rescuers have been working tirelessly to help residents evacuate to safety. One notable incident happened at Jalan Liku Cina, near Taman Aman, where a man was trapped on the roof of his car after it was swept away by floodwaters.

"The car got stuck on an electric pole and the driver climbed onto the roof to avoid the floodwaters. Thanks to the efforts of the rescue team, the man was brought to safety," said Kota Tinggi police chief Yusof Othman.

The local government has issued an emergency alert, asking residents in high-risk areas to be on standby for evacuation. Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Malaysia (JBPM) in Johor is actively assisting in evacuating residents, especially the elderly and children, to safe shelters.

NADMA also recommends that people limit movement through deeply flooded areas, continuously update weather conditions and follow instructions from authorities.

Malaysia has been hit by severe flooding in recent years due to prolonged heavy rains. In 2021, historic floods forced the evacuation of more than 60,000 people and caused heavy property damage.

Hong Hanh (according to NADMA, MetMalaysia, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lu-lut-o-malaysia-hon-3000-nguoi-phai-so-tan-post330052.html