KUALA LUMPUR — As of November 29, three people have died and over 80,000 have been evacuated due to widespread flooding in several Malaysian states. Officials have warned that this year's monsoon season could bring the worst flooding in a decade.

Flooding is typical along Peninsular Malaysia's east coast during the monsoon season (October to March), but this week's heavy rainfall has caused large-scale evacuations, particularly in Kelantan, a northeastern state bordering Thailand.

According to the National Disaster Command Centre's website, as of the morning of November 29, three deaths were reported, and 80,589 people had been relocated to 467 temporary shelters across seven states. Kelantan and Terengganu were the hardest-hit regions. The government did not provide further details on the deaths.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who heads the National Disaster Management Committee, indicated on November 28 that the current flooding could surpass the severity of the 2014 floods, which displaced nearly a quarter of a million people. "Given the severity of the situation, all parties have been mobilized to ensure the safety and welfare of flood victims," he said, according to state news agency Bernama.

In response, the government has deployed over 82,000 security personnel, along with rescue boats, four-wheel drive vehicles, and helicopters.

National railway operator KTM announced on Facebook that it had suspended nine train routes on the east coast due to the floods.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department had previously warned on November 27 that heavy rains would continue in several states until November 29. They also forecasted that the monsoon surge would bring extended rainfall to the east coast until December 1.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters