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Southeast Asia Floods Claim Over 180 Lives as Rescue Operations Intensify Across Region
Severe flooding across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka has killed more than 180 people, triggered massive evacuations and disrupted power and communications. Rescue teams are racing to reach stranded communities as waters slowly recede.
Flooding across large parts of Southeast Asia has claimed at least 183 lives as of Friday, with authorities stepping up rescue operations to reach stranded residents, restore electricity and communications, and coordinate relief efforts as waters begin to recede.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been grappling with a week of torrential rain triggered by a cyclone, while a rare tropical storm continues to form over the Strait of Malacca.
Officials also reported 46 additional deaths in Sri Lanka linked to the cyclone.
Indonesia: 94 Dead in Sumatra, Entire Communities Cut Off
Data from three provincial officials confirmed that 94 deaths had been recorded in Indonesia’s Sumatra region by Friday afternoon.
In Padang Pariaman, one of the worst-hit districts with 22 confirmed deaths, residents faced water levels reaching at least one meter. Search and rescue teams were still unable to reach the area on Friday.
“We are running out of supplies and food,” said 40-year-old resident Muhammad Rais, who was forced to move to the second floor of his home on Thursday as floodwaters surged.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said communication networks remained down in several areas. Teams are working to restore electricity and clear roads blocked by landslides. He added that airlifting of aid and rescue personnel would continue through Friday.
Thailand: 87 Dead, Millions Affected, Tourists Evacuated
The Thai government reported 87 deaths across eight southern provinces, with more than 3.5 million people affected.
In Hat Yai, the hardest-hit southern city, rain finally stopped on Friday, but residents remained knee-deep in water, many without electricity, as they assessed the damage. One resident said she had “lost everything.”
Another local, 52-year-old Somporn Petchte, said that while his home escaped flooding, he was entirely cut off. “It affected us in every way,” he said. “I felt like I was stuck on an island.”
Malaysia: Storm Weakens, Thousands Still in Shelters
In neighboring Malaysia, authorities confirmed two deaths. Tropical Storm Senyar made landfall around midnight before weakening, but officials warned of continued heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions.
About 30,000 people remain in shelters, down from more than 34,000 on Thursday.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry said it had already evacuated 1,459 Malaysian nationals stranded in more than 25 hotels in southern Thailand, and is working to rescue the remaining 300 people trapped in flooded areas.
