Jakarta: The floods across Southeast Asia have driven the death toll to at least 183, with authorities continuing to evacuate residents, restore power and reopen blocked routes as water levels begin to recede.
Large regions of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have endured a week of cyclone-fuelled torrential rain, while a rare tropical storm has formed in the Malacca Strait, intensifying the disaster.
In Indonesia alone, 94 deaths have been confirmed across multiple provincial areas on Sumatra. The Padang Pariaman region has faced severe challenges, with water levels reaching at least one metre and some communities still waiting for access by search and rescue teams. Residents stranded on higher floors have reported shortages of food and supplies as rescue agencies attempt to re-establish communication lines and clear landslide debris.
Abdul Muhari from Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency has said that efforts are continuing to restore electricity and road access. Airlifts have been deployed to deliver aid and personnel into isolated districts as communications remain down in parts of Sumatra.
The floods have also caused extensive damage in Thailand, where authorities have confirmed 87 deaths across eight southern provinces, affecting more than 3.5 million people. In Hat Yai, the worst-hit urban area, residents have assessed widespread damage after days of submersion.
Although rainfall has eased, many neighbourhoods remain ankle-deep in water, with ongoing power outages complicating recovery.
Malaysia has reported two deaths, with tropical storm Senyar making landfall around midnight before weakening. Meteorological officials have warned of continued heavy rain and rough sea conditions, particularly risky for small boats.
A total of 30,000 evacuees have remained in shelters, down from 34,000 the previous day. The foreign ministry has confirmed the evacuation of 1,459 Malaysian nationals stranded in more than 25 flood-hit hotels in Thailand, with 300 individuals still awaiting assistance.
Sri Lanka has also continued to experience severe weather impacts. Authorities have reported 46 deaths linked to a cyclone affecting the island nation, adding to the regional toll. Heavy rainfall has triggered landslides and further flooding, complicating search and recovery operations.
The widespread damage across Southeast Asia highlights the scale of the crisis, with simultaneous disasters stretching rescue capacities in multiple countries. As weather agencies warn of continued extreme conditions, governments across the region have remained focused on relief, recovery and continued evacuation efforts.
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