Extreme Flooding in Southeast Asia Leaves Over 1,140 Dead

Severe flooding and landslides triggered by tropical storms have devastated parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, leaving more than 1,140 people dead and thousands more displaced. Torrential rains have inundated regions including Sumatra in Indonesia, southern Thailand, northern Malaysia, and central Sri Lanka, causing widespread destruction.

In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto arrived in North Sumatra on Monday, emphasizing that the government’s top priority is to deliver immediate humanitarian aid to affected areas. “There are several isolated villages that, God willing, we can reach,” Prabowo said, noting the deployment of helicopters, aircraft, hospital ships, and warships to assist in the relief operations.

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Indonesia Grapples With Widespread Destruction

The floods and landslides in Indonesia have resulted in at least 604 confirmed deaths, with 464 people still missing. Roads remain impassable in many affected areas, complicating relief efforts.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian acknowledged that the scale of the disaster surpassed government preparedness. “The disaster is quite extensive in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra,” he said.

In Sungai Nyalo village, approximately 100 km from Padang, floodwaters have mostly receded, leaving homes, vehicles, and farmland coated in thick grey mud. Local residents have mostly chosen to stay in their homes despite the damage, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the floods.

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Sri Lanka Faces Historic Humanitarian Crisis

In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides, with 366 deaths reported and 367 people still missing. Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads and mudslides, prompting the Sri Lankan government to call for international aid.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency, calling the floods “the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history.” Military helicopters are being used to evacuate stranded residents, but the humanitarian crisis is ongoing.

Tragically, a helicopter pilot lost his life while assisting flood-affected communities near Colombo. Relief teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan have arrived, yet authorities warn that additional support is still urgently needed.

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Thailand and Malaysia Also Hit Hard

In southern Thailand, flooding has claimed at least 176 lives. Relief efforts are underway, but public criticism has grown over the handling of the disaster, with two local officials suspended over alleged mismanagement. In Songkhla province alone, 131 fatalities have been reported, and an estimated 76,000 children remain unable to return to school.

Across the border in northern Malaysia, heavy rainfall inundated Perlis state, killing at least three people and displacing thousands. Emergency services are gradually restoring water and power services, though recovery remains slow in the hardest-hit areas.

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A Year of Deadly Floods Across Asia

These floods are the latest in a series of extreme weather events across Southeast Asia. Recent weeks have seen typhoons strike the Philippines, killing over 242 people, demonstrating the growing vulnerability of the region to climate-driven disasters.

Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, producing heavier rainfall and more destructive floods. Alexander Matheou, Asia-Pacific director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, emphasized the need for better early warning systems, disaster shelters, nature-based solutions, and social protection networks.

“These floods are a stark reminder that climate-driven disasters are becoming the new normal,” Matheou said. “Investment in resilience and preparedness is critical.”

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Humanitarian Efforts Continue

Governments and international agencies are mobilizing resources to provide relief, including food, medical aid, and temporary housing. Efforts are ongoing to restore infrastructure, clear debris, and prevent further loss of life as rainfall continues in parts of Indonesia and Thailand.

The 2025 Southeast Asia floods highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, regional cooperation, and rapid disaster response to protect vulnerable communities from increasingly severe natural disasters.