Ammon News - Severe floods caused by monsoon rains killed more than 30 people and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, officials said Tuesday, with both countries preparing shelters and evacuation plans in anticipation of more heavy rain.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said five days of heavier-than-expected rain that battered the country’s east coast last week was equal to the rainfall over the past six months, wreaking havoc in the northeastern state of Kelantan and neighboring Terengganu.

The floods also submerged large tracts of rice fields, causing millions of dollars in losses to farmers, officials said. The heavy downpour also damaged roads, houses and public facilities in Kelantan and other parts of Malaysia. Rescue workers used boats to distribute food to victims trapped in their homes.

The rain eased over the weekend, but the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rains later Tuesday. Anwar said the government is bracing for another monsoon surge that is expected to hit on Sunday.

AP