The death toll from floods and landslides in four Asian countries exceeds 1,100, as the region suffers more dire consequences of climate change.
Last week, prolonged torrential rains fell on Sri Lanka, Indonesia’s Sumatra island, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, causing severe flooding that submerged many residential areas.
The area is currently experiencing a rainy season, but climate change is making storms more extreme. The incessant rains forced many people to climb onto rooftops to wait for rescue by boat and helicopter.
In Indonesia, floods and landslides have killed at least 593 people, with nearly 470 people still missing. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto today visited North Sumatra, expressing hope that “the worst is over”. He added that the government’s current priority is to immediately provide necessary aid, especially in isolated areas.
Indonesian rescue forces rescue people trapped in floods. Video: Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency
This is the highest number of casualties in a natural disaster in Indonesia since the 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Sulawesi.
In Sri Lanka, the government appealed for international aid and used military helicopters to reach people trapped by floods and landslides caused by a recent storm. Officials in this country said at least 355 people died and 366 people were missing due to widespread flooding.
Flood levels in the capital Colombo reached their peak last night. Floodwaters suddenly rushed in, surprising some people around Colombo.
“Every year we experience small floods, but this time is different. The problem is not only the amount of water, but also the speed with which the floodwater comes in,” said delivery driver Dinusha Sanjaya, 37 years old.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called this flood “the largest and most challenging natural disaster in history”.
People wade in floodwater in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, Thailand, on November 26. Image: AFP
In Thailand, officials today said heavy rains causing floods have killed at least 176 people in the south of the country. This is one of the deadliest floods in Thailand in a decade.
In Malaysia, where heavy rains also flooded many areas in Perlis state, two people were reported dead.