A series of cyclones and intense monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Asia, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides from Indonesia to Sri Lanka. According to national disaster agencies compiled by CNN, at least 1,250 people have died, hundreds remain missing, and over one million people have been displaced from their homes.

The extreme weather events have devastated communities and critical infrastructure, with roads blocked by floodwaters and residents stranded without access to basic services.

Thailand: Hat Yai Hit Hard

In southern Thailand, the city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province, a major transport and trade hub, experienced floodwaters reaching eight feet in some areas. Nursing home worker Wassana Suthi described struggling to keep patients alive as the floods cut off all access to the facility, leaving only a helicopter delivering emergency supplies.

Suthi recounted the ordeal: “It rained so much that you couldn’t leave the house. First, the rains flooded the ground floor, forcing us to move residents upstairs. Then the flooding cut off electricity, leaving us reliant on battery-powered oxygen tanks.”

After the floodwaters receded, the city was left with streets coated in mud, debris scattered everywhere, and residents searching for missing family members. Suthi described the scene as “almost like a movie scene, like an apocalypse.”

Thailand has reported 181 deaths, the majority in Songkhla province, and hundreds more remain missing.

Indonesia: Cyclone Senyar Devastates Sumatra

In Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar caused catastrophic landslides and floods on Sumatra, resulting in 702 deaths and leaving 499 people missing. The island, known for its dense rainforests, active volcanoes, and critically endangered orangutans, suffered massive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.

Rescue teams continue to navigate treacherous conditions to locate survivors, clear debris, and restore access to affected communities.

Sri Lanka: Cyclone Ditwah Brings Worst Floods in a Decade

On the other side of the Indian Ocean, Cyclone Ditwah has unleashed Sri Lanka’s worst flooding in ten years. The island nation reported 410 deaths and 336 people missing, with entire towns submerged and infrastructure destroyed.

Neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan, have deployed military helicopters, ships, and personnel to assist with search and rescue operations, deliver humanitarian aid, and evacuate stranded residents, including foreign nationals from countries such as Germany, the UK, South Africa, and Australia.

Regional Impact and Concerns

Authorities across Southeast Asia warn that the toll from these cyclones may continue to rise as rescuers work through mud, debris, and blocked roads. Millions of residents remain without homes, clean water, or access to essential services.

In Thailand, Suthi expressed concerns for the future: “It was never this severe. But this year, everyone is saying the same thing: it was like a tsunami.”

Experts emphasize that climate change and unusual weather patterns are likely increasing the severity of monsoon rains and cyclonic activity, putting millions at risk each year.

As governments and international aid organizations work to respond to the disaster, the scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for regional disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and early warning systems.