Receding Floodwaters on 30 November 2025 and Regional Impacts Near the Thailand–Malaysia Border

RANTAU PANJANG - On 30 November 2025, floodwaters in the villages surrounding SK Gual To’Deh and several areas in northern Kelantan began to show clear signs of receding. After several days of continuous monitoring and early evacuation, residents finally witnessed a gradual return to normalcy. The improved conditions were most evident in Rantau Panjang town, where the streets had completely dried, allowing businesses to reopen and residents to resume daily activities. Just days earlier, the traffic light junction near the Petronas station had become a temporary gathering point where people, especially children, playfully interacted with the shallow floodwaters. With the water fully gone, the scene shifted back to its usual traffic flow and commercial movement.

A house in Kg Lubok Gong stands surrounded by floodwater near the Malaysia–Thailand border. The rising water reflects the heavy monsoon rainfall affecting the region. Although the structure remains intact, the scene highlights the community’s vulnerability and the slow recession of floods in areas close to Sungai Kolok.

Despite the overall improvement on the Malaysian side, several areas closer to the Thailand–Malaysia border, particularly those located near Sungai Kolok, continued to experience lingering floodwater. The slower rate of recession there was expected, given the geographical proximity to the river and the influence of upstream water flow from southern Thailand. Communities in these border regions remained cautious, recognising that although the water was decreasing, the surrounding soil was still saturated, and river levels remained higher than usual.

In southern Thailand, the flood situation also began to ease, particularly in Hatyai, one of the hardest-hit cities during the peak of the monsoon event. Over the previous week, heavy rainfall had overwhelmed drainage systems, caused widespread inundation, and disrupted mobility across several districts. As water levels gradually receded, Thai authorities began intensive efforts to assess the extent of the damage. Early estimates from the Thai government indicated losses amounting to several billion baht, reflecting damage to infrastructure, agricultural lands, homes, and commercial properties. The scale of destruction underscored the severity of the monsoon season and the vulnerability of densely populated urban areas in southern Thailand.

For communities along the Sungai Kolok border, the situation in Thailand played a significant role in shaping local water conditions. Hydrological flow from the upstream Thai districts often influences river levels on the Malaysian side, contributing to the slower recession observed in nearby villages. Nevertheless, local authorities in Kelantan remained optimistic, noting that the continued decline in rainfall and the stabilising river flow pointed toward a steady recovery.

By the afternoon of 30 November, many families who had temporarily taken shelter at SK Gual To’Deh began preparing to return home. Tents were dismantled, personal belongings were packed, and classrooms used as temporary shelters were gradually cleaned and restored. Community volunteers, teachers, and local officials worked together to ensure the transition was smooth and safe, especially for families whose homes required minor cleaning and repairs.

The events of late November highlighted both the challenges and resilience of communities living in flood-prone regions. Although the monsoon season brought disruption, the coordinated response, early evacuation strategies, and strong community cooperation played a crucial role in reducing risk and ensuring safety. As both Malaysia and Thailand entered the recovery phase, attention shifted toward rebuilding, strengthening preparedness, and improving long-term flood mitigation in anticipation of future monsoon cycles.

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