Indoor Air Quality Alert: Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Western Indonesia Flooding

  • 4 min read
  • by IQAir Staff Writers
Table flooded in a park

What is the location of the flooding?

As of December 10, 2025, severe flooding continues to affect southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and western Indonesia, though some areas have shifted into recovery while others face escalating impacts (1).

The flooding is driven by persistent northeast monsoon rainfall, with current conditions most severe across northern and western parts of Sumatra.

In Indonesia, the Sumatra Flood-Landslide Disaster has expanded across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, causing widespread infrastructure damage, washed-out bridges and isolated communities (2).

In Thailand, earlier catastrophic flooding in Hat Yai and parts of Songkhla province has begun to recede, with water levels stabilizing in most locations.

Malaysia continues to face flood impacts across both east and west coast states, particularly where rainfall has persisted into early December.

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

A wide area across the three countries remains affected. While floodwaters have begun to recede in some previously impacted zones, new districts have been added as monsoon rains continue (3).

Key impacted cities and regions include::

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of December 10, 2025, containment efforts vary by region. In Indonesia, the flooding remains largely uncontained due to damaged infrastructure, continued rainfall and restricted access to isolated communities.

Northern and western parts of Sumatra remain the most severely impacted, with ongoing landslide risks complicating response operations.

In Thailand, earlier flooding in Hat Yai and Songkhla has transitioned into stabilization and recovery, with water levels receding and emergency operations shifting toward cleanup and infrastructure repair (4).

Malaysia continues to experience mixed conditions, with some states seeing receding water while others maintain flood alerts due to ongoing rainfall.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders and emergency alerts continue across Indonesia, Malaysia and parts of Thailand (5).

Indonesia maintains widespread evacuation advisories across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra due to extensive damage and isolated populations. Over one million people remain displaced.

Malaysia continues to operate evacuation centers across several states including Perak, Sabah, Selangor, Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak and Perlis. Forecasted rainfall has kept flood alerts active.

In Thailand, although major flood zones in Hat Yai and Songkhla have shifted to recovery status, authorities continue to monitor remaining high-risk areas and advise residents to follow official guidance.

Residents across all affected regions are urged to comply with evacuation instructions, avoid floodwaters and remain alert to official weather advisories.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

  • Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
  • Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
  • If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
  • Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
  • Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
  • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
  • Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  • Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
  • If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.

Article Resources

[1] ReliefWeb (2025, December 9). Children at Highest Risk, Humanitarian Access Remain Severed as Floods and Landslides Devastate Communities Across Sumatra.

[2] ReliefWeb (2025, December 9). Indonesia Severe Weather and Floods Update.

[3] ReliefWeb (2025, December 8). ASEAN Weekly Disaster Update.

[4] ReliefWeb (2025, December 9). EU Flood Response Aid Update.

[5] ReliefWeb (2025, December 9). Malaysia Floods Update.

Newsletter

Get exclusive articles, product updates, tips, and occasional offers delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Read about our privacy policy

Featured product
HealthPro 250 XE Air Purifier
Award-winning, medical-grade & gas/odor filtration for medium to large rooms.
IQAir FFP2 Face Mask
High-performance, comfortable mask with tight seal for better protection.