Extreme weather conditions have wreaked havoc across Asia, claiming the lives of more than 800 people. Torrential rains, cyclones, and floods have left millions grappling with the aftermath as rescue operations continue. The situation is particularly dire in Sri Lanka, where Cyclone Ditwah has resulted in 212 confirmed deaths and 218 people still missing, according to officials on Sunday.
In Sri Lanka, nearly a million residents have been affected by the severe weather, which has forced approximately 200,000 people into 1,275 shelters, as reported by the Disaster Management Centre. Record-breaking rains began last Thursday, leading to multiple landslides in the central hilly regions and submerging entire towns nationwide. The country’s air force has been instrumental in rescue efforts, using helicopters to evacuate over 120 individuals after the Mavil Aru Reservoir dam was breached.
Impact and Response in Sri Lanka
In the commercial capital of Colombo, one of the hardest-hit areas, floodwaters have trapped numerous families in their homes. In the suburb of Kelaniya, state agencies and donors are providing cooked meals, but many residents report inadequate aid. More than 17,000 people are currently residing in shelters, waiting for the waters to recede.
Sunethra Priyadarshani, a 37-year-old resident, shared her harrowing experience:
“My sister and I were trapped on the upper floor of our home with our four children for two days. We slowly ran out of food. We only had biscuits and water to give them last night.”
Fortunately, her family was rescued by a boat delivering lunch.
The irrigation department anticipates that floodwaters will gradually recede over the next three days as Cyclone Ditwah moves towards southern India. Authorities have also announced plans to restore power, water, and communication lines, which were severely disrupted by the floods.
Widespread Devastation in Southeast Asia
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, torrential rains have resulted in over 600 fatalities. Relief efforts are ongoing for tens of thousands of displaced individuals. A rare tropical storm in the Malacca Strait has been responsible for the heavy rains and strong winds affecting the region for the past week.
Indonesia has been particularly hard hit, with 435 deaths reported and over 290,700 people displaced. The floods have caused extensive damage, destroying nearly 3,000 homes, including 827 that were completely flattened or washed away. The National Disaster Management Agency reports 402 people missing across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces.
Challenges in Indonesia
Rescue operations in Indonesia face significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions and insufficient heavy equipment. The hardest-hit areas, such as the city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli district in North Sumatra, have seen slow delivery of aid. Videos circulating on social media depict desperate residents navigating through waist-deep waters to access food, medicine, and petrol.
Police spokesman Ferry Walintukan confirmed reports of looting in the region, stating,
“The looting happened before logistical aid arrived.”
In response, regional police have been deployed to restore order. Additionally, eleven helicopters from Jakarta have been dispatched to facilitate logistics distribution, especially to areas where roads are impassable.
International Aid and Future Outlook
In a bid to support communication and coordination efforts, Starlink has offered free satellite internet services to flood-affected areas in Indonesia and Sri Lanka until the end of December. Indonesian cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya acknowledged the unpredictable weather as a significant impediment to aid operations.
This latest series of natural disasters underscores the vulnerability of Southeast Asian countries to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. Experts emphasize the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate future impacts.
As the region continues to grapple with the immediate aftermath, the focus remains on rescuing those still stranded and providing essential relief to the millions affected. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with potential for further aid and support as recovery efforts progress.
