1,812 dead as severe storms and floods devastate five Asian nations
At least 1,812 people have died across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam as a series of powerful storms, monsoon rains and landslides continue to wreak havoc across the region over the past two weeks, according to authorities and disaster agencies.
Sri Lanka remains one of the worst-hit countries, where the official death toll climbed to 618 on Sunday as fresh landslide warnings were issued. Heavy rain continues to pound regions already ravaged by Cyclone Ditwah, the most destructive storm to strike the island in more than two decades. Nearly two million people — about 10 percent of the population — have been affected.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said persistent monsoon showers were further destabilising already weakened hillsides in the central highlands and north-western districts. With dozens of villages cut off, helicopters and military aircraft were deployed to drop food, medicine and emergency supplies to isolated communities.
Authorities reported that 209 people remain missing, while more than 75,000 homes have sustained damage, including nearly 5,000 that were completely destroyed. Although floodwaters have begun receding, about 100,000 people are still sheltering in government-run camps, down from 225,000 at the height of the crisis.
In Indonesia, public anger mounted as the country’s death toll surpassed 900, prompting demonstrations calling for faster relief. President Joko Widodo vowed on Sunday to accelerate aid distribution, particularly to remote and mountainous areas of Sumatra where entire villages have been inundated or swept away.
Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have also reported rising casualties and widespread damage after days of relentless rain submerged farmlands, disrupted transportation networks, and forced mass evacuations. Emergency teams in all three countries are struggling with washed-out roads, collapsed bridges and ongoing power outages.
Regional meteorological agencies warn that more heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, with saturated terrain increasing the risk of additional landslides and flash floods. Governments across Southeast and South Asia have activated military units, boosted search-and-rescue missions and appealed for international assistance as the humanitarian crisis continues to grow.
.png "Advertisement")
