Heavy floods and landslides across Southeast Asia have resulted in the deaths of over 600 people, with relief efforts intensifying over the weekend for tens of thousands of displaced individuals. The region has been severely impacted by a rare tropical storm that formed in the Malacca Strait, leading to relentless heavy rains and strong winds throughout the past week.
The death toll includes 435 fatalities reported in Indonesia, 170 in Thailand, and three in Malaysia. In a separate incident, Sri Lanka has also faced devastation, with at least 334 fatalities attributed to floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Many individuals remain unaccounted for as rescue and relief operations continue.
Widespread Damage and Relief Efforts
As of Sunday, officials reported that over 4 million individuals have been affected by the severe weather conditions, with nearly 3 million in southern Thailand and approximately 1.1 million in western Indonesia. Areas in Indonesia’s Sumatra island have experienced catastrophic landslides and flooding, with several provinces rendered inaccessible due to blocked roads and damaged telecommunications infrastructure.
Rescue teams have resorted to using helicopters to deliver aid to isolated communities. A Reuters photographer captured images from a navy helicopter over the town of Palembayan in West Sumatra, showcasing extensive destruction, with homes and large tracts of land swept away by floodwaters. Upon landing in a nearby soccer field, dozens of residents awaited assistance, highlighting the urgent need for food and supplies. Reports indicate that some desperate individuals have resorted to looting supply lines, further complicating the relief efforts.
Impact Across the Region
In Thailand, the southern province of Songkhla has suffered the highest number of casualties, with 131 deaths. The city of Hat Yai, the largest in Songkhla, recorded a staggering 335 mm of rainfall last Friday, marking its highest single-day total in 300 years.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, approximately 18,700 individuals remain in evacuation centers, according to the country’s national disaster management agency. Meteorological authorities lifted warnings for the tropical storm and continuous rain on Saturday, predicting clearer skies across the nation. Despite the forecast, the impact of last week’s severe weather continues to be felt, with significant infrastructure damage reported.
Additionally, Malaysia’s foreign ministry announced that it has successfully evacuated over 6,200 Malaysian nationals stranded in Thailand, showcasing the ongoing challenges faced by citizens in the region.
As relief operations continue, the humanitarian impact of these natural disasters highlights the urgent need for international support and collaboration to assist affected communities in their recovery efforts.
