Malaysia and Thailand evacuate thousands as floods hit

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities have shut schools and evacuated more than 12,000 people as floodwaters rise in two northern states hit by torrential rain, official media said Tuesday.

In Perlis state, which borders Thailand, 11 schools were shut and 3,000 evacuees were taking shelter in relief centres, state news agency Bernama said.

In neighbouring Kedah state, some 9,264 residents were shifted out of affected areas, and housed in 39 relief centres.

In Thailand, flash floods and heavy flooding have already left more than 100 people dead and about 100,000 residents stranded, mostly in the central and eastern areas. LINK