Malaysia PM says six months of rain fell in five days as floods wreak havoc

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery An aerial view shows houses surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain in Tumpat in Malaysia on 2 December 2024 open image in gallery A reclining Buddha statue is surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain in Tumpat Muhamad Alim, a shopkeeper whose food store was submerged, recalled the terrifying night the waters surged through his home. open image in gallery An aerial view shows houses surrounded by floodwaters after heavy rain in Tumpat, Malaysia, on 2 December 2024 open image in gallery A car lies submerged after days of heavy rain in Tumpat in Malaysia’s Kelantan state on 30 November 2024 Emergency workers have been using boats to deliver food and supplies to the affected areas. open image in gallery A Buddhist monk sits on the second floor of a building surrounded by floodwaters in Tumpat, Malaysia open image in gallery Royal Malaysia Police transport residents on a boat through floodwaters after days of heavy rain in Tumpat The economic impact has been severe, particularly on agriculture, as thousands of acres of rice paddies have been inundated. open image in gallery People use a boat through a flooded street during heavy rain in Pasir Puteh, Malaysia, on 30 November 2024 As both countries prepare for another monsoon surge, emergency measures are being ramped up to protect lives and property.