The floods, triggered by a rare cyclone that formed in the Malacca Strait, have affected three provinces and about 1.5 million people. 500 people are reported missing, and thousands have been injured.
The monsoons, which have exacerbated tropical storms, have led to one of the most destructive floods in Southeast Asia in recent years. Over the past week, floods and landslides in the region have claimed the lives of around 1,200 people. In Sri Lanka, at least 410 people have died, in Thailand at least 176, and two more have died in the Malaysian state of Perlis.
The rescue operation is complicated by poor weather conditions. Despite the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, many remain at risk, according to Indonesia's emergency agency. In the hardest-hit area of Tapanuli, locals have begun looting stores in search of food, as humanitarian organizations are unable to reach them.
To improve communication in Central Aceh, authorities have set up Starlink satellite equipment, and on Sunday evening, thousands of people lined up outside the administration building, hoping to call their relatives or charge their phones.
Local residents are urging the government to declare Sumatra a national disaster zone to improve coordination of rescue operations.
Photo: bbc.com.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who visited the affected areas in North Sumatra, noted that authorities are doing everything possible to overcome the difficulties, despite some roads still being closed.
Meanwhile, in the southern province of Thailand, Songkhla, casualties have also been reported: at least 145 people have died as a result of the worst flooding in a decade. Water levels rose by three meters, affecting ten provinces and more than 3.8 million people. In the city of Hat Yai, 335 mm of rainfall fell in one day — a record level of rain in the last 300 years. After the water receded, the number of casualties sharply increased.
Photo: bbc.com.
In response to the situation, the government has announced aid measures, including compensation of up to two million baht ($62,000) for families who have lost loved ones.
In Malaysia, the number of casualties is less significant, but the damage is also extensive. Floods have submerged parts of the state of Perlis, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes and seek shelter.
Sri Lanka has also been affected by Cyclone "Dhitwa," resulting in at least 410 deaths, more than 336 people missing, and the government has declared a state of emergency. Over 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and around 78,000 people have found temporary shelter. About a third of the country remains without electricity and water supply.
