The death toll in Malaysia after the worst flooding in years caused by last weekend’s torrential rains has risen. At least fourteen people have been killed, and more than 70,000 Malaysians have been forced to leave their homes because of the natural disaster.
Malaysia had to deal with the amount of rain that normally falls in an average month in about 24 hours. However, it has now stopped raining, and the water in flooded areas is draining away. The richest and most populous state of Selangor, which surrounds the capital Kuala Lumpur, is one of the hardest-hit areas.
Thousands of aid workers and defence personnel have been mobilized, but critics say the government’s aid is too slow. Volunteers help provide food for those affected and contribute to the rescue work. Several people are still missing. There are fears of a further rise in the death toll.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has admitted that there are shortcomings in the relief effort and has promised to improve. He has said that attention will be paid to the well-being of those affected and that repair of damaged infrastructure is a priority so that people in shelters can return home quickly.