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

The devastation extends beyond Malaysia, with neighbouring Thailand also grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall. Flooding in southern Thailand has claimed 25 lives and affected over 300,000 households, with thousands of people still staying in shelters.

In South Thailand, over 600,000 households have been affected by the relentless downpours and flash floods. The lives of 12 people have tragically been lost, and thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters.

Malaysia and Thailand are facing a second wave of heavy rain and potential flooding this week, authorities said on Monday, even as some displaced residents were able to return home and the worst floods in decades began receding in some areas.

Malaysia prepared for its worst floods in a decade after heavier-than-expected monsoon rains caused severe flooding that killed three people and displaced more than 80,000

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.