Torrential rains leave thousands displaced and schools submerged in multiple districts of Johor

The flood crisis in Johor has intensified drastically, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people and the closure of 20 schools across five districts, as authorities brace for further disruptions.

Continuous heavy rainfall since Wednesday has caused flash floods in key districts including Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, Pontian, and Kulai. Johor’s Disaster Management Committee and Education and Information Committee have activated emergency measures to protect residents and students as water levels rise rapidly.

Evacuation Numbers Double Overnight

As of Friday (March 21), 10,763 residents from 3,018 families have been relocated to 98 temporary flood relief centres, up from just 5,092 evacuees ten hours earlier. Johor Baru accounts for the highest number with 4,291 evacuees, followed by Kluang (2,163), Kota Tinggi (1,762), Pontian (1,395), and Kulai (1,152). Officials are urging residents in low-lying areas to prepare for possible further evacuations.

Schools Submerged and Students Stranded

State Education Committee Chairman Aznan Tamin confirmed that 20 schools were disrupted, with two completely submerged and 11 cut off. SK Perigi Acheh and SK Kampung Maju Jaya are among the worst-hit, while 110 students were stranded due to inaccessible routes. Relief centres have been opened at several schools, including SK Seri Kencana in Kluang and SK Bukit Mutiara in Johor Baru. Face-to-face learning has been suspended at the affected schools, replaced by home-based teaching methods.

Johor schools affected by floods, some cut off.
Credit: The Star (2025)

Aznan noted that affected schools have been placed on standby to accommodate evacuees. Discussions are ongoing with federal and state agencies to ensure adequate supplies and support for displaced students, including transportation and learning materials. With the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasting continued rainfall, schools remain at risk of further closures.

The worsening floods in Johor highlight the urgent need for coordinated disaster response and stronger infrastructure resilience in flood-prone areas. As both education and public safety are severely affected, continued vigilance, inter-agency cooperation, and timely communication will be critical in minimising the long-term impact on communities and regional mobility.

Sources: The Star (2025), NST (2025), Malay Mail (2025)

Keywords: Johor Evacuation, Flooded Schools, Rain Disruptions, Disaster Relief, Malaysian Flood Response