Persistent rains and floods plague Malaysia and Thailand

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Temporary shelters have been set up in both Thailand and Malaysia that can be used by residents from displaced locations. Rescue teams in both countries are continuously helping everyone in the most affected areas and are also organizing any other evacuation plans.

Authorities in both Thailand and Malaysia are on high alert as this year's monsoon rains are heavier than usual. At least 25 people have died in floods in southern Thailand over the past week. According to the Ministry of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation at least three hundred thousand households were affected by the floods.

Almost five hundred government shelters have already been established in Thailand which have been used by 35,000 residents. The worst affected provinces include Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Yala. The government has already set aside fifty million baht in financial aid for each of the provinces. Nine thousand baht will be allocated to each of the families.

The level of some rivers has started to drop but meteorologists warn that it will rain heavily until at least Thursday and there is a risk of flash floods. Water pumps have been deployed in many places and evacuation boats and vehicles will also remain on standby.

In Malaysia, most of the rain fell during the past five days on the east coast. The floods killed six residents and destroyed homes and roads in the northeastern states of Kelantan and Terengganu.

At least 91,000 residents had to leave their homes in Malaysia and the damage is estimated at 224 million dollars. As in Thailand, they are preparing for another wave of monsoon rains this week.

Source:AlJazeera/Editorial