Malaysia Evacuates Over 130,000 as Floods Kill at Least Five – Bloomberg.
Malaysia evacuated more than 130,000 people as the worst floods in decades left at least five dead.
More than 330 were displaced in the southwestern state of Negeri Sembilan today, bringing to eight the number of states affected by the heavy rainfall that began 10 days ago, according to state news agency Bernama. The five dead included a toddler who was swept away by currents after falling from her mother’s arms on their way to a relief center, AP reported.
The northeastern state of Kelantan had the highest number of evacuees, with 55,960 people relocated, Bernama reported. The other states affected were Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Perak, Perlis and Kedah, it said. Two people died in the floods in Terengganu, including a woman who fell into the water during an evacuation, Bernama said.
The Southeast Asian nation is grappling with annual floods caused by monsoon weather that could disrupt output of its key exports of palm oil and rubber. Prime Minister Najib Razak returned to Malaysia today from the U.S. after being criticized for holidaying while the nation contends with the flooding.
