Flash floods kill two in Malaysia

Heavy rains triggered flash floods that killed two people and forced thousands to evacuate their homes in northern Malaysia, officials said today.

The downpours mark the start of an annual monsoon season between November and February that often leads to widespread flooding in low-lying towns and villages.

A nine-year-old girl drowned yesterday after she fell into a rain-swollen river while playing with her friends.

Separately, authorities recovered the body of a man who was swept away while swimming in a river.

Officials in three separate states said about 5,000 people have taken shelter at schools and community centres since the downpours began late last week.