Half of Malaysia’s 16 states had water levels rising to dangerous levels after torrential rains poured down on Friday morning and continued until Monday. Selangor, a wealthy and populous state surrounding the capital city, was hit hard and fast. There was significant harm throughout the state. By Monday the state of Pahang faced even worst damage. As of Wednesday morning, Pahang had 32,000 evacuees out of a total of 51,000. So far, seven people have been confirmed dead, all of them in Selangor.

Now Malaysians must assess the damage and rebuild. There are 66,000 police, army, and fire department personnel seeking to help those stranded by the floods.

SOURCES:

• Reuters, Thousands Displaced by Floods in Malaysia. December 12, 2021
• Alarabiya News, More than 50,000 Malaysians Forced From Homes in Worst Floods For Years. December 20, 2021.