Asian floods: More than 1,000 dead in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand
Asia witnessed one of its worst natural disasters in recent years last week, with the death toll from devastating floods and landslides exceeding 1,000, spread across Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The governments of the affected countries mobilized all their military and civilian resources to rescue those trapped and recover victims amidst extremely challenging weather conditions.
Indonesia: The worst disaster since 2018
In Indonesia, specifically on the island of Sumatra, torrential rains from a rare tropical storm have caused devastating floods and landslides. Official reports indicate that the death toll has risen to at least 502, while more than 500 others remain missing. This is the highest death toll from a natural disaster in the Indonesian archipelago since the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami, which killed thousands.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the disaster-stricken areas of North Sumatra, emphasizing that the government's priority is delivering aid to isolated regions, as his administration faces pressure to declare a national state of emergency. Despite the scale of the disaster, Jakarta has not yet requested international assistance, relying instead on deploying naval and medical vessels to reach areas cut off by road.
Sri Lanka: Memories of the 2004 tsunami resurface
Across the ocean, Sri Lanka is experiencing a similar tragedy as a result of Cyclone Detwah, with authorities reporting 340 deaths and dozens missing. These scenes have brought back memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the situation as the “largest and most difficult natural disaster” the country has faced in its modern history, pledging to rebuild.
The damage was most severe in the central region, prompting the government to request urgent international assistance and use military helicopters to evacuate residents from rooftops and areas that were completely flooded.
Thailand and climate change: a worsening crisis
In Thailand, floods have killed 176 people in the southern provinces, the worst toll in a decade. The government has faced sharp criticism for its slow response, leading to the suspension of local officials.
Experts and climate scientists link the increased frequency of these extreme weather events to global climate change. Rising ocean temperatures are fueling tropical storms with more moisture and energy, making monsoon seasons more violent and destructive, which poses long-term economic and humanitarian challenges for South and Southeast Asian countries that rely heavily on agriculture and tourism.
