South East Asia is facing one of its worst weather disasters in years.
Massive floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains have left dozens dead, thousands homeless, and millions affected across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Indonesia: Death Toll Rises to 90
Indonesia has been hit hardest.
Unusually heavy rain — far above normal seasonal levels — caused rivers to overflow and triggered widespread landslides on Sumatra Island.
- At least 90 people have died
- Dozens are still missing
- Thousands of families have been forced to evacuate
The most affected regions are Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, where houses, markets, schools, and roads are underwater. Rescue teams are working day and night, but floodwater, power failures, and blocked roads are slowing operations.
Dramatic visuals show:
- Cars and homes submerged almost completely
- People walking through chest-deep muddy water
- Rescue teams pulling victims and stranded families to safety in rubber boats
President Prabowo Subianto has ordered more emergency aid to the affected regions. Around 150 tents, inflatable boats and communication equipment have been sent to help rescuers reach remote locations.
Cyclone Senyar – A Rare Weather Event in Indonesia
Scientists say these floods are linked to Cyclone Senyar, a very rare cyclone near the equator.
Indonesia almost never experiences cyclones, making this event even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Rainfall in some areas reached 800 mm in just four days, far above the normal monthly average of 150 mm. Weather experts warn that any rainfall above 100 mm in a single day is considered extreme — but several regions received more than 200 mm per day, triggering disaster.
Sri Lanka Hit by Cyclone Ditwah – 56 Dead, Many Missing
Sri Lanka is also facing deadly floods and landslides caused by days of heavy rain. At least 56 people have died so far, while 21 people are still missing.
Cyclone Ditwah swept across the island, bringing more rainfall and strong winds. Streets, railway lines, bridges, and residential areas are flooded, forcing schools, government offices, and many train services to close.
Dramatic rescue footage shows helicopters airlifting people to safety:
- A man survived the night on top of a coconut tree
- Six people were rescued from a bridge surrounded by floodwaters
- Villagers trapped on rooftops were picked up by military aircraft
Sri Lanka is preparing for even more dangerous weather as the cyclone continues along the eastern coast.
Thailand’s Situation Worsens – Death Toll Reaches 145
Thailand has reported rising casualties due to the floods, with 145 confirmed dead.
Flooding is worst in the southern region, especially in Songkhla, where homes, hotels, and public buildings are submerged.
This disaster has also forced major changes to the South East Asian Games:
- Events for 11 sports will be moved to Bangkok
- The original venues in Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Chonburi are flooded
- Safety of athletes and spectators is the priority, officials say
Some hospitals are struggling to manage the number of victims. A morgue in Songkhla has exceeded capacity and additional refrigerated trucks have been brought in to store bodies.
Regional Impact Across South East Asia
Across Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, people are struggling with:
- Food shortages and skyrocketing prices
- Petrol running out in many cities
- Power blackouts and communication breakdowns
- Road networks cut off by landslides and flooding
Residents in North Sumatra say basic goods like cooking oil, vegetables, and fuel are becoming scarce. Many stood in long fuel queues only to return home empty-handed.
The Situation Remains Critical
Search and rescue operations are still underway.
Emergency teams continue evacuating families, clearing roads, repairing communication lines, and sending aid to isolated areas. However, heavy rain and unstable weather are making it difficult to reach those still trapped.
In Summary:
- Indonesia — 90 dead, dozens missing; Sumatra worst affected
- Sri Lanka — 56 dead, 21 missing; Cyclone Ditwah causing severe destruction
- Thailand — 145 deaths and flooded southern regions; SEA Games shifted to Bangkok
- Millions of people across the region are affected
Flood conditions remain severe, and authorities warn that more rain may worsen the crisis.