More than 600 people have died following catastrophic floods and landslides across Southeast Asia, with ongoing relief efforts addressing the needs of tens of thousands of displaced individuals. The devastating impact has primarily affected Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, all of which experienced severe weather conditions due to a rare tropical storm that formed in the Malacca Strait. The storm has produced heavy rainfall and strong winds for over a week.
In Indonesia, the toll reached 435 fatalities, while 170 people lost their lives in Thailand, with an additional three reported deaths in Malaysia. In a separate incident, Sri Lanka has recorded at least 334 fatalities due to floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for. As of the latest reports, over 4 million individuals across these nations have been impacted, including nearly 3 million in southern Thailand and 1.1 million in western Indonesia.
Relief Efforts Underway Despite Challenges
Rescue and relief teams faced considerable challenges in reaching many affected areas, particularly in Indonesia’s Sumatra island, where heavy rainfall resulted in extensive landslides and flooding. Blocked roads and damaged telecommunications infrastructure have hindered communication and logistics. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver essential aid to isolated communities. In the town of Palembayan, a Reuters photographer observed vast areas of land and homes submerged by floodwaters as a navy helicopter landed in a soccer field filled with residents awaiting food supplies.
Reports have emerged of individuals resorting to looting supply lines, driven by desperation for assistance in certain locations.
In Thailand, the southern province of Songkhla has experienced the highest number of fatalities, with 131 deaths reported. The largest city in the province, Hat Yai, recorded an unprecedented 335 mm of rain last Friday, marking its highest rainfall in three centuries during a single day.
In Malaysia, approximately 18,700 people remain in evacuation centres, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. Although meteorological authorities lifted tropical storm and continuous rain warnings on Saturday, the region had been battered by severe storms and high winds in the preceding week. The Malaysian foreign ministry reported the evacuation of over 6,200 nationals stranded in Thailand.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, the focus remains on providing timely assistance to those affected by this natural disaster.
