Northeast Monsoon is here again

The above is rather a familiar site, i.e., the flooding, this time of the year. The monsoon season is here again.

Malaysia may be lucky enough to not be affected by the Ring of Fire of volcanoes and earthquakes but we do go though spells of heavy rainfall in not one but two monsoon seasons. Right now, we are going through the northeast monsoon which started just a week or so ago and will be until early part of the year.

The northeast monsoon affects primarily the north eastern states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and parts of Johor. If you intend to travel to Malaysia, the year-end is not such a good time to visit if your destination is the east coast of the peninsula, Club Med Cherating included or the islands of Perhentian and Redang though you'd have more beach to yourself.

The Star reported that

Warnings of heavy rain and overflowing rivers have been issued in four states by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

This covers selected areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor and Perlis.

More..Alert over heavy rain and overflowing rivers goes out in Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor and Perlis


By the way, an umbrella can be a good companion when you visit. No loss if you forget one because umbrellas are easily available here. You can buy them from roadside vendors, small sundry shops as well as large department stores. And they are cheap too, more so now to the visitor with the current exchange rate.


Image source: The Star

More flee from floods in Kelantan

Each year, the north-east Monsoon brings heavy downpour and with it the floods in the north and north-eastern states. This year is no exception.

The number of flood victims in Kelantan has risen to 1,892, from 1,420 on Thursday as a result of continuous rain. Pasir Mas remains the worst affected district with 16 evacuation centres opened with the number of evacuation centres in the state being increased from 28 yesterday to 32 this morning.
More..

Floods caused by the monsoon rains

Each year, the monsoon rains in Malaysia cause flooding in the northern (Perlis, Kedah) and eastern (Kelantan, Terengganu) states of the peninsula.

This year is no exception. In fact, the situation seems more severe this year. Below are updates from The Star on the situation in the different locations:

More evacuated in Kelantan but conditions in Pahang, Terengganu improve

Rising floodwaters force 16 schools in Kelantan to close immediately

400 evacuated after floods in three districts

Floods: Continuous rain in East Coast states, more evacuated

If you are planning a holiday to the east coast or the islands off Terengganu, including Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, this time of the year is to be avoided. Club Med in Cherating, Pahang, is still closed until February (being closed from Sep end onwards).



Image source: tourismmalaysia.de

Monsoon Season has arrived

The monsoon season is here upon us again with rain on a daily basis as early as mid-morning.

This is a picture of a village near Batu Caves.

There is flooding around the country, the worst being in the northern state of Kedah and the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu where evacuation efforts are underway to move people to higher ground.

If you intend to visit Malaysia this time of the year, having an umbrella would be helpful.


Picture source: The Star


Related article:
Floods in the East Coast of Malaysia