Thailand, Malaysia struggle with worst floods in decades

Flooding leaves 19 dead and thousands displaced.

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The death toll from the worst floods in decades in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia climbed to at least 19 on Monday, authorities said, as tens of thousands of people were evacuated due to rising water levels in the past three days.

Men wade through floodwaters after performing prayers at a mosque in Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/ Stringer

In southern Thailand, the floods have impacted nearly 640,000 households households, with the death toll climbing to 12 and leaving thousands in 200 temporary shelters that have been set up in affected areas, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said.

A rescue worker delivers bottled water to people staying in flooded houses in Sateng Nok, Yala Province, Thailand, November 30, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. Poh Teck Tung Foundation/via REUTERS

The Chana district of Songkhla province suffered the worst floods in 50 years, with video footage showing people being carried out to trucks from their homes inundated by a torrent of flood water.

A rescue worker evacuates a child stranded by flooding in Sateng Nok, Yala Province, Thailand, November 30, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. Poh Teck Tung Foundation/via REUTERS

Another video footage showed rescuers in Sateng Nok District of Yala province carrying a baby out from the roof of a home hit by the floods on Saturday.

In neighbouring Malaysia, the floods have impacted nearly 139,000 people in nine states, leaving three dead since Friday, according to the National Disaster Command Centre.

A man paddles a boat through floodwaters after performing prayers at a mosque in Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/ Stringer

Thailand's Meteorological Department said that several areas in southern Thailand can expect more heavy rain on Saturday and warn of more flash floods in effected areas.

Men wade through floodwaters after performing prayers at a mosque in Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/ Stringer

Neighbouring Philippines was hit by six typhoons in just month in November, causing widespread devastation.