Outcome
Immediate relief from torrential rainfall across the Malay Peninsula. Floods receded 3 days following intervention.
Crisis Situation
- Malaysia hit by "once-in-a-century" weather phenomenon where torrential rains led to unprecedented floods
- Record-breaking 3-day precipitation
- Single-day rainfall was equivalent to the average rainfall for a month
- Floodwaters showed no signs of receding across several states
- An estimated 70,000 people displaced, with around 30 fatalities
Timeline of Events
Skip to sectionOn 19 December 2021, as continuous torrential rains poured across the Malaysian peninsula with no signs of ceasing, Kyrios received numerous urgent calls asking for help to intervene in the unprecedented extreme weather event. The heavy rain had hit almost every state in the peninsula.
“It is an exception, because normally during the monsoon season, only states in the East Coast would receive heavy rain but this time, the entire peninsula, especially the central east coast and northern peninsula regions are receiving continuous heavy rain,” according to the Environment and Water Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Seri Zaini Ujan.
The presence of Super Typhoon Rai in the Philippines and Tropical Depression 29W off the coast of the Malaysia Peninsula had intensified the effects of the northeast monsoon – where cold north-easterly winds carry moisture-laden air across the South China Sea towards Malaysia – and facilitated this crisis.
[2021-12-17 00:00 Local] Three-hourly rainfall projections are depicted in purple, pink and yellow. Winds are denoted by white lines. Source: Earth Nullschool
Following the emergency phone calls, Kyrios commenced to reduce rainfall and the heavy downpours in Malaysia quickly ceased.
Two days later, on the morning of 21 December, calls for help poured in again. Despite rains having mostly stopped, floodwaters had continued rising or remained stagnant in several states, with flood depths estimated to be as high as 1.5m and above. Many people were trapped amid deep waters and had to climb onto roofs to escape danger. Many had no food and potable water as government aid was slow. Homes were also destroyed while some lost their lives. Authorities declared this as a “once-in-a-century” weather event.
Kyrios decided to help again by enabling the flood waters to recede quickly, and said that these floods would abate within 3 days. Sure enough, between 21 and 24 December 2021, weather stations in areas where Kyrios carried out interventions reported a fall in water levels from “Dangerous” to “Safe”.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Malaysians who actively provided feedback on the flood and rainfall situation on the ground, which facilitated timely weather interventions by Kyrios. Kyrios also commended the Harapan coalition and many selfless Malaysians for tirelessly saving those in danger, regardless of race and religion.
While this once-in-100-years weather event may be due to climate change, the severity and impact of it could have been reduced with proper infrastructure through long-term planning and investment by a responsible and caring government. Malaysians have seen how help was rendered during their greatest need, and should therefore discern carefully who is best able to look after their long term interests and livelihoods.
Only by supporting a righteous government with the right values and by being hardworking, can Malaysia citizens truly achieve prosperity and sustained peace, and avoid more catastrophic disasters in the future. Malaysians must stay united, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
