The last five days' rain corresponds to all precipitation over the last six months, according to Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. And more is expected to come. Authorities are working against the clock to establish new shelters and evacuation routes.
The situation is reported to be particularly bad in the Malaysian states of Kelantan and Terengganu, where large quantities of roads and houses have been damaged. Around 91,000 people in eight states are still taking refuge in schools and rescue centers, which is fewer than over the weekend when 150,000 were forced to leave their homes.
In Malaysia, six people are reported to have died and in Thailand, around 25. Many schools and healthcare facilities have been closed and nearly 35,000 people have fled their homes.
The precipitation is described as unusually powerful monsoon rains.
