MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR – Severe flooding has affected parts of the Philippines and Malaysia, causing evacuations and significant disruption. In the Philippines, heavy rainfall has led to flooding in the central region, resulting in at least one fatality and the displacement of dozens of people.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Philippine province of Catarman received more than a month’s rainfall in just 24 hours on November 21. The region, which usually experiences around 450mm of monthly rainfall, recorded 619mm on that day alone. The Philippines typically faces around 20 major storms annually, including super typhoons that cause widespread destruction. Meanwhile, in East Malaysia, heavy rain in the coastal state of Terengganu forced over 3,900 people to evacuate for safety. Neighboring state Kelantan also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to the evacuation of 370 people.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a warning for heavy rain in the country’s northern states and east coast region. Malaysia’s rainy season, which lasts from October to March, is characterized by strong winds and rough seas.