Severe flooding across Southeast Asia has claimed over 1,100 lives, with millions affected by a combination of tropical cyclones and heavy monsoon rains in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
Indonesia has been the hardest hit, with at least 604 confirmed deaths and 464 people still missing. This disaster has become the deadliest event in the country since the 2018 earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi. Widespread flooding has submerged homes, agricultural fields, and triggered landslides, leaving residents stranded in some regions.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed hope that the worst of the disaster was over but emphasized the government’s focus on delivering aid to the hardest-hit regions. To support rescue efforts, Indonesia has sent three warships, two hospital ships, and aircraft to the affected areas, though access remains difficult due to blocked roads and collapsed infrastructure.
Thailand is also grappling with severe flooding, particularly in Hat Yai, one of the worst-affected areas. Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow visited the region, assuring residents that efforts were underway to restore water and electricity services. The government has pledged financial support, offering compensation of 9,000 baht (approximately £215) and interest-free loans of up to 100,000 baht to flood victims. Despite these efforts, much of the region remains inundated, with many evacuees returning home to assess the damage.
The storms have also disrupted education across the region. According to the charity Save the Children, at least 1,000 schools in Sumatra, Indonesia, have been damaged or closed, with many others being used as emergency shelters. Tens of thousands of children have been displaced and are unable to attend school.
The flooding has underscored the growing impact of climate change, as stronger tropical cyclones and more extreme rainfall have been linked to warming ocean temperatures and increased water vapor in the atmosphere.
Asia Pacific Newslog 