International

Flooding Forces 40,000 To Flee Homes In Southern Malaysia

Authorities have set up more than 200 relief shelters for people displaced by the floods, the national disaster management agency said

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After days of torrential rain in in Malaysia's southern Johor state, bordering Singapore, around 40,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes. 

According to a report by Reuters, the meteorological department warned of more rain in coming days, mostly in the southern states. 

While Malaysia often witnessed floods during the annual monsoon season between October and March, the downpour this week left has caused flooding and left many Johor residents scrambling to find shelter.

"We used to always prepare for the rainy season in November and December," Mohd Noor Saad, a 57-year-old resident in the town of Yong Peng, in Johor's Batu Pahat district told Reuters.

Authorities have set up more than 200 relief shelters for people displaced by the floods, the national disaster management agency said.

The National Flood Disaster Agency warned that waters in 25 rivers nationwide have reached dangerous levels. Data showed that 102 landslides have occurred since November due to heavy rain, it said.

(With inputs from AP)