The death toll from devastating floods across South-East Asia has climbed to at least 321, as authorities race against time to rescue stranded citizens and restore essential services. The severe weather, driven by Cyclone Ditwah and other tropical systems, has wreaked havoc in countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. As waters begin to recede, recovery efforts are gaining momentum.
In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah has claimed 46 lives and left 23 people missing after sweeping across the island on Friday. The cyclone triggered landslides and widespread flooding, particularly in the eastern and central regions, where over 300mm of rain fell. The Sri Lankan government has mobilized more than 20,000 police and military personnel to coordinate evacuations, especially in areas surrounding the capital, Colombo.
Impact on Sri Lanka: Rescue and Relief Efforts
Schools have been closed, and train services suspended as authorities warn of further flooding. The Sri Lankan Air Force has been instrumental in rescue operations, airlifting 13 people trapped on a bridge in Polonnaruwa and numerous families stranded on rooftops. Even a man perched atop a coconut tree was brought to safety. Disruptions at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport have led to the diversion of 15 flights.
In a show of regional solidarity, India has delivered 6.5 tonnes of food aid to assist relief efforts as Cyclone Ditwah moves towards southern India. The Indian High Commission in Colombo confirmed the aid delivery, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation in disaster response.
Indonesia’s Struggle: A Nation Underwater
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Sumatra island is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains fueled by Tropical Cyclone Senyar. The disaster has resulted in 174 confirmed deaths, with 79 people still missing. Thousands of families have been displaced, and rescue efforts are hindered by mudslides, power outages, and communication breakdowns.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has deployed three aircraft loaded with rescue personnel, food, medicines, and essential supplies. “We continue to send aid and support the needs of those affected,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
“Many roads are cut off, and the weather remains unfavourable. Even our helicopters and planes sometimes struggle to land,” Prabowo added.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency has warned that unstable atmospheric conditions could prolong extreme weather as long as the cyclone system remains active.
Thailand and Malaysia: Coping with Catastrophe
In Thailand, 145 fatalities have been reported across eight southern provinces, affecting over 3.5 million people. The city of Hat Yai, the hardest hit, experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 300 years earlier this week. Although the rain has stopped, floodwaters remain ankle-deep, and many homes are without electricity.
Malaysia is also on high alert after Tropical Storm Senyar made landfall, causing two deaths. Meteorological authorities are bracing for continued heavy rain and wind, with 30,000 evacuees still in shelters. The Malaysian foreign ministry has evacuated over 1,400 nationals stranded in Thailand, working to rescue those still trapped in flood zones.
Regional Cooperation and Future Preparedness
The unfolding crisis highlights the need for enhanced regional cooperation and preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events. Experts suggest that the interaction of multiple cyclonic systems, including Typhoon Koto in the Philippines, may have exacerbated the recent extreme weather across South-East Asia.
“This is a stark reminder of the growing global challenges posed by climate change,” said Achadi Subarkah Raharjo of Indonesia’s Meteorology Agency. “We must strengthen our disaster response capabilities and work together to mitigate the impact of such events.”
As Cyclone Ditwah continues its path towards southern India, the region braces for further challenges. The international community’s response and the resilience of affected nations will be crucial in navigating the aftermath of this disaster.
