Over 1,000 Dead in Monsoon Flooding Across South and Southeast Asia
More than 1,000 people have died and hundreds more are missing following severe monsoon rains that triggered floods and landslides across several countries in South and Southeast Asia.
Indonesia has been the hardest hit, with over 500 confirmed deaths and a similar number reported missing. The country’s president announced that three warships and two hospital ships have been deployed to assist affected areas in North Sumatra.
In Sri Lanka, officials said a devastating storm named ‘Dithwa’ has claimed the lives of at least 340 people. The country’s president described the event as the worst natural disaster in Sri Lanka’s history and has appealed for international assistance.
In Thailand, 176 people have died so far due to heavy rainfall and resulting floods. In northern Malaysia, two people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
The unusually intense monsoon rains that swept through these countries over the past week have severed transport routes and isolated hundreds of villages. Experts suggest the severity of the rainfalls is likely linked to climate change and its growing impacts.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, which has regularly faced similar natural disasters, the Taliban administration is once again under scrutiny for its inadequate preparedness. While other countries are mobilizing emergency forces and extensive equipment to save lives, the lack of crisis management and the Taliban authorities’ disregard for their humanitarian and national responsibilities continue to raise serious concerns.
