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.

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.

At least 13 people died and tens of thousands evacuated in one of the worst floods in decades to batter southern Thailand and northern Malaysia.

With tens of thousands already displaced, both countries set up shelters in anticipation of further downpours.

There are worries in Malaysia and neighbouring Thailand that disastrous flooding could get worse as more rain comes.

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.