SEVERE FLOODS CAUSED by monsoon rains have killed more than 30 people and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, with both countries preparing shelters and evacuation plans in anticipation of more heavy rain.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said five days of heavier-than-expected rain that battered the country’s east coast last week was equal to the rainfall over the past six months, wreaking havoc in the north-eastern state of Kelantan and neighbouring Terengganu.

The heavy downpours damaged roads and houses in Kelantan and other parts of Malaysia.

Rescue workers used boats to distribute food to victims trapped in their homes.

Anwar said it will cost the government an estimated 1 billion ringgit (over €213 million) to repair infrastructure damaged by the floods.

The rain eased over the weekend but the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain later today.

Anwar said the government is bracing for another monsoon surge that is expected to hit on Sunday.

According to the National Disaster Command Centre, about 91,000 people across eight states remain in schools, community halls and relief centres after they were moved out of their homes due to the floods. This is down from about 150,000 evacuees on Sunday. About 88% of the evacuees are from Kelantan and Terengganu.

At least six people died in Malaysia, while the death toll was higher in southern Thailand.

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said that 25 people have died in floods in the southernmost part of the country in the past week.

More than 300,000 households have been affected, with many schools and 98 health facilities forced to close. The health ministry said 34,354 evacuees remained at 491 government shelters yesterday.

Although water levels have receded in several provinces, the department also warned of more heavy rain on Thursday, putting the areas further at risk of flash floods.

Authorities have prepared shelter, water pumps, evacuation trucks and boats, and put rescue workers on stand-by to prepare for more downpours.

The floods have affected tourism, with Malaysian officials urging citizens to defer travel plans to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination.