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.

MORE than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to severe flooding in southern Thailand, where the death toll climbed to 29, according to local officials.

At least 12 people have died and more than 600,000 households have been affected by the worst flooding in southern Thailand in decades, according to a government agency.

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.