More than 900 people have been killed and many remain missing in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka following devastating cyclones, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.
According to a report by U.S. media outlet CNN, thousands of people have been injured, while tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes seeking safety.
CNN reports that during the past seven to ten days, at least 435 people in Indonesia, 334 in Sri Lanka, 162 in Thailand, and 2 in Malaysia have died due to storms, torrential rain, flooding, and landslides.
Indonesia
Cyclone Seniar, formed from a low-pressure system over the Andaman Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and the Bay of Bengal, has ravaged Indonesia’s Sumatra Island.
From this island—spanning 482,286.55 square kilometers—the bodies of 435 people have been recovered so far, while at least 406 people remain missing.
Massive flooding—triggered by storms and heavy rainfall—has submerged large parts of the island, while multiple landslides have further disrupted life.
Roads and telecommunication networks have almost completely collapsed. In many areas, the military is delivering relief supplies by helicopter.
Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes in search of safer locations.
Videos circulating on social and news media show rescue teams evacuating people using inflatable rubber boats.
In areas where relief supplies arrived late, incidents of looting have been reported in local shops and markets.
Thailand
Indonesia’s neighboring country Thailand has also suffered from the storm’s fury.
Cyclone Seniar and the resulting heavy rain and flooding have so far claimed 162 lives in southern Thailand.
At least 3.5 million people have been affected. Road networks, electricity systems, and mobile communication have been disrupted in many areas.
A spokesperson for Thailand’s Disaster Mitigation Department said that floodwaters have begun to recede, and authorities are working to restore road links, mobile networks, and electricity while distributing relief supplies.
Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah, formed from a low-pressure system over the Indian Ocean, has killed 334 people in Sri Lanka and affected at least 1.1 million people.
More than 25,000 houses have been destroyed by storms, floods, and landslides.
Additionally, 147,000 people have taken shelter in government-run relief camps after fleeing their homes.
Due to the widespread devastation, Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency.
Malaysia
Cyclone Seniar made landfall on Malaysia’s coast last Friday.
At least 2 people have been killed so far, while 34,000 coastal residents have taken refuge in government shelters to escape the storm’s impact.
