Severe Flooding and Landslides in Southern Asia Claim Over 600 Lives

Torrential rains, exacerbated by tropical storms, have resulted in severe flooding and landslides across multiple countries in Southern Asia, leading to approximately 600 fatalities. Millions of individuals have been affected across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Impact by Country

Intense rainfall began on the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Wednesday. A resident in Aceh province reported total loss of belongings and structural damage to their home. As of Saturday, over 300 deaths were confirmed in Indonesia, with nearly 300 individuals still reported missing. Cyclone Senyar, an unusually rare tropical cyclone, contributed to catastrophic landslides and flooding, submerging thousands of buildings and sweeping away homes. In Pidie Jaya Regency, a resident described rapid water inundation that forced them to seek higher ground, finding their home submerged upon return. Another individual recounted being carried by floodwaters and surviving by holding onto a clothesline until rescued. Rescue operations have faced impediments due to adverse weather conditions. Tens of thousands have been evacuated, though hundreds remain stranded.

In Songkhla province, southern Thailand, water levels rose by 3 meters (10 feet), contributing to one of the most severe floods in a decade. Across 10 affected provinces, over 160 deaths were reported by the government on Saturday, impacting more than 3.8 million people. The city of Hat Yai experienced 335mm of rainfall in a single day, marking the heaviest in 300 years. As floodwaters receded, a significant increase in the death toll was recorded. At one hospital in Hat Yai, the morgue became overwhelmed, necessitating the transfer of bodies to refrigerated trucks. A Hat Yai resident reported being isolated by floodwaters for seven days without external assistance. The government has committed to relief measures, including compensation of up to two million baht ($62,000) for households that have lost family members.

Sri Lanka has also been significantly impacted by heavy rains and a cyclone, with more than 130 fatalities and approximately 170 individuals missing, according to officials. The government has declared a state of emergency and sought international aid.

Ongoing Situation

Search and rescue operations are continuing across the affected regions, with the death toll anticipated to rise due to the number of missing persons. Thousands remain stranded, with some awaiting rescue on rooftops.