Over 122,000 displaced by massive floods in Malaysia, Pakistan PM offers support
Torrential rains have caused severe flooding across Malaysia’s northern states, displacing more than 122,000 people, disaster officials reported on Saturday. The number has surpassed the 118,000 displaced during the devastating floods of 2014, with fears that the figure could rise further as heavy downpours show no signs of stopping.
Kelantan state has been hit hardest, accounting for 63% of the total 122,631 displacements, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. In Terengganu, nearly 35,000 people have been evacuated, while the remaining displacements have been reported from seven other states. The death toll remains at four, with fatalities recorded in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak.
Also Read:
In Kelantan’s Pasir Puteh town, heavy rains continued to inundate streets, leaving residents wading through hip-deep waters. The floods are an annual occurrence in Malaysia due to the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rains from November to March, affecting the lives of millions in the Southeast Asian nation of 34 million.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who leads the National Disaster Management Committee, stated that thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed to flood-prone states. Rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters are being used to assist in evacuation and relief efforts as the country grapples with one of its most severe flood seasons in recent years.
Pakistan Offers Support to Malaysia Amid Devastating Floods
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sympathies and solidarity with the people of Malaysia following the recent floods that caused significant loss of life and property across several Malaysian states. In a telephonic conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Shehbaz Sharif assured that Pakistan stands with its Malaysian “brothers and sisters” during this challenging time.
Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Malaysian government’s swift response to the disaster and announced Pakistan’s immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid as a gesture of support. “The people of Pakistan deeply sympathize with Malaysia, and we are ready to provide all possible assistance,” he said.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan in October. He noted that many trade issues highlighted during the visit had been successfully addressed and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing high-level engagements, with Shehbaz Sharif and other Pakistani officials expected to visit Kuala Lumpur early next year.
In a message shared on social media, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his admiration for Malaysia’s effective handling of the crisis and conveyed his prayers for the flood victims.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also extended heartfelt condolences to Malaysia, stating, “The people of Pakistan are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the floods. We stand ready to support recovery efforts.” His statement further emphasized Pakistan’s solidarity and willingness to assist in the face of this natural disaster.
Read all the Breaking News Live on pakistantimes.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Pakistan Times. Follow us on Whatsapp channel for more.
