Southeast Asia Floods and Landslides Claim Over 600 Lives Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts

Severe flooding and landslides caused by torrential rains have resulted in over 600 deaths across three Southeast Asian nations, officials reported on Sunday, as emergency response teams continue efforts to assist tens of thousands displaced by the disaster.

The deluge was driven by an unusual tropical storm developing in the Malacca Strait, leading to intense rainfall and strong winds throughout the week. Indonesia bore the brunt with 435 fatalities, followed by Thailand with 170 deaths, and Malaysia reporting three casualties.

Authorities continue to face challenges reaching many of the flood-impacted areas despite receding waters, while extensive evacuation efforts have relocated tens of thousands of residents. Official figures indicate that more than 4 million people have been impacted, including nearly 3 million in southern Thailand and approximately 1.1 million in western Indonesia.

In a related natural disaster across the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka faced a devastating cyclone that claimed 153 lives, with 191 persons missing and over half a million affected nationwide.

Indonesia

Indonesia's death toll climbed sharply to 435 from 303 the previous day, as reports of destruction and casualties continue to emerge from Sumatra’s western provinces. Landslides and floods have devastated three provinces, isolating communities with damaged roads and disrupted telecommunications networks. Relief teams have resorted to helicopter missions to deliver aid to inaccessible regions.

Aerial assessments over the town of Palembayan in West Sumatra revealed vast areas and homes submerged or swept away by floodwaters. Residents gathered in open spaces awaiting essential supplies.

Amid the crisis, some officials noted incidents of looting as communities grappled with shortages of relief materials.

Afrianti, a 41-year-old resident of Padang city in West Sumatra, recounted fleeing rising waters and returning to find her home destroyed. She is now sheltering with her family beside the remnants of their house, lamenting the loss of both their residence and business.

Currently, 406 individuals remain missing in Indonesia, with 213,000 displaced across affected provinces.

Thailand and Malaysia

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed that flooding fatalities in the south reached 170, an increase of eight since Saturday, along with 102 people injured. Songkhla Province recorded the highest number of deaths at 131. The city of Hat Yai experienced its heaviest single-day rainfall in 300 years, measuring 335 mm (13 inches) last Friday amidst continuous heavy rain.

In Malaysia, some 18,700 people remain housed in evacuation centers following last week’s severe weather marked by heavy rain and gusty winds. Meteorological authorities have lifted storm and rain warnings, forecasting improvements in weather conditions across most regions.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry coordinated the evacuation of over 6,200 Malaysian nationals stranded in Thailand. Additionally, an advisory was issued urging Malaysians residing in West Sumatra to register with local consular offices. The ministry confirmed a 30-year-old Malaysian is missing after a landslide in the region.

Relief and rescue operations are expected to continue as authorities work to stabilize affected communities and restore essential services.