More than 350 people have died across Southeast Asia after devastating floods and landslides swept through Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Heavy monsoon rains and a tropical storm overwhelmed vast areas this week, leaving hundreds missing and tens of thousands displaced. Rescue operations continue but face severe challenges from damaged infrastructure and ongoing weather.
Indonesia has recorded more than 200 deaths, with over 100 people still missing across Sumatra island. North Sumatra province saw 116 fatalities, while West Sumatra reported 61 deaths and 90 people still being searched for. Ilham Wahab, spokesperson for West Sumatra's regional disaster mitigation agency, said late Friday: «As of tonight, 61 fatalities have been recorded, and 90 are still being searched for.» At least 35 people died in Aceh province.
Rescue workers struggle to reach the worst-affected areas, trudging through waist-deep mud, tree trunks, and debris. Damaged roads and downed communication lines hamper relief efforts. Hundreds of police officers, soldiers, and residents dig through debris with bare hands and shovels, despite heavy rain. Indonesia's national disaster agency announced cloud seeding operations in West Sumatra to reduce rainfall, though most rain had subsided by Saturday.
Thailand declares two-week clean-up
Thailand reported 162 deaths, with at least 145 fatalities in Songkhla province alone. Water levels reached three meters in some areas, marking the worst flooding in a decade for the province. A hospital morgue in Hat Yai exceeded capacity, requiring bodies to be moved into refrigerated trucks.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited an evacuee shelter and told reporters on Friday: «I really have to apologise to them for letting this happen during the time I am in government.» He announced a two-week clean-up plan and compensation up to 2 million baht (62,000 dollars) for households that lost family members.
Public criticism mounted over the government's flood response. An opposition People's Party MP accused the administration of having «wrongly estimated the situation» and making «errors in handling the flood crisis». Two local officials were suspended over alleged failures in flood handling. Shop owner Rachane Remsringam reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses after looters vandalized her store Madam Yong following the disaster.
Sri Lanka and Malaysia affected
Sri Lanka's death toll from Cyclone Ditwah-triggered floods and mudslides reached 123, with 130 people still missing. Nearly 44,000 individuals have been displaced and are sheltering in temporary facilities. The government closed schools and offices, stopped passenger trains, and blocked roads throughout much of the country.
Social media posts on Saturday showed several areas hit by overnight mudslides that authorities have not yet reached. The cyclone was expected to move towards India's southern coast by Sunday, with more rain forecast for Sri Lanka's northern regions.
Malaysia reported two deaths in northern Perlis state.
Climate change intensifies monsoon impacts
The region experiences an annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, bringing heavy rainfall that triggers landslides and flash floods. Millions of people in Indonesia live in mountainous areas or near fertile floodplains, making them vulnerable to such events.
Climate change is affecting storm patterns, duration, and intensity, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger wind gusts. The current death tolls in Indonesia and Thailand rank among the highest in recent years for these countries.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
