On Tuesday, 10 November, Malaysian authorities issued a thunderstorm warning that covered the capital Kuala Lumpur and several other states, while floods in Selangor, Perak and Sarawak had already driven more than 1,000 residents from their homes.
The warning, released by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, named Kuala Lumpur, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak as affected areas. The agency cautioned the public to remain vigilant against flash floods, falling trees and disruptions to outdoor activities, anticipating heavy rain and strong winds across the region.
As the weather system moved in, the social welfare department reported that flooding had displaced residents in Selangor, Perak and Sarawak by 3 p.m. local time. The displaced population was estimated to exceed 1,000 people across those three states, with many families forced to relocate to temporary shelters or higher ground.
In Selangor, water levels rose rapidly in low‑lying districts, cutting off roads and causing a spike in water‑borne traffic. Residents reported that homes near the Selangor River were submerged, while in Perak, the Kinta Valley experienced sudden overflow of the Kinta River, prompting emergency services to open evacuation centers in several villages.
In Sarawak, heavy rain triggered landslides in the interior hinterlands, leading to isolated communities being cut off from main supply routes. Local officials in Sarawak’s Kuching district observed that the floodwaters had reached heights up to 2 meters in certain floodplains, prompting warnings for people living in these areas to seek higher ground immediately.
Across the crisis, health officials have urged people to avoid swimming in floodwaters and to watch local broadcasts for updated weather forecasts. They also reminded residents that the risk of damage to property and infrastructure remains high, especially with the combined threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development released an emergency plan, encouraging municipalities to activate flood‑rescue teams and to provide food and water to displaced families. The plan also outlined procedures for coordinating with local volunteer groups, who are expected to assist in clearing blocked roads and bringing supplies to affected communities.
A spokesperson for the Malaysian Meteorological Department indicated that the storm is expected to bring up to 150 millimetres of rain over the most affected areas by the evening of the 10th, with a weather window that may last until the following day.
In light of the warning, many businesses in Kuala Lumpur cancelled planned outdoor events, and airlines reported an increase in flight cancellations over the weekend. Utilities firms warned of potential power outages in coastal regions if strong winds damage power lines.
Despite the calm, local residents continue to report on social media about roadblocks and fallen trees that have stranded commuters. The national radio network carried continuous updates on toll lane closures and traffic conditions resulting from the heavy rainfall.
Officials have urged citizens to check weather reports frequently, to secure loose objects and to prepare their homes for possible lightning strikes, as part of the broader public safety communication coordinated by the emergency management authorities.
As the situation develops, authorities will likely update the warning levels and potential evacuation orders if conditions deteriorate. The social welfare department will continue to monitor the displacement numbers and coordinate relief supplies for affected households in Selangor, Perak and Sarawak.
