The death toll from catastrophic floods across South-east Asia has risen to at least 161, as authorities rush to rescue stranded residents, restore power, reopen roads, and coordinate recovery efforts in areas still struggling with the aftermath.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have faced relentless, cyclone-fueled rain over the past week, intensified by a rare tropical storm in the Malacca Strait. Sri Lanka also reported 46 deaths caused by a cyclone, adding to the region’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In Sumatra, Indonesia, the hardest-hit island, 72 people have died, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The Padang Pariaman region alone accounted for 22 deaths, with some communities still cut off from rescue teams.
Residents described the struggle to survive amid rising waters. Muhammad Rais, 40, said, “We’re running out of supplies and food,” as he was forced to move to the second floor of his home to escape the floods. Communication lines remain down in several areas, while authorities continue to airlift aid and personnel and clear debris-blocked roads.
In Thailand, floods have claimed 87 lives across eight southern provinces, affecting more than 3.5 million people. In Hat Yai, the worst-hit city, the rain has finally stopped, but many residents remain ankle-deep in water, assessing the damage to homes and businesses. One local resident shared, “I have lost everything.”
Malaysia has recorded two deaths so far. Tropical storm Senyar made landfall at midnight, weakening since, but authorities still warn of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas that pose risks to small boats. Around 30,000 evacuees remain in shelters, down from 34,000 the previous day. The Malaysian foreign ministry has also evacuated 1,459 nationals stranded in more than 25 flood-hit hotels in Thailand and is working to rescue the remaining 300.
As the waters slowly recede, the affected communities are left to rebuild amid loss and hardship. Families, neighbors, and local authorities are pulling together, showing resilience in the face of unprecedented natural disasters. The road to recovery will be long, but solidarity and swift aid remain crucial in helping South-east Asia heal.
