Southeast Asia has been hit by devastating floods and landslides, with the death toll exceeding 400 as of today (same day as November 29). Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have all initiated cleanup and rescue operations.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), this week, monsoon rains triggered massive floods in large areas across the three countries, leaving thousands stranded, with many awaiting rescue on rooftops.
Rescue teams in Indonesia are making efforts to reach the hardest-hit Sumatra Island, where more than 270 people are still missing.
The latest data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) today shows that floods and landslides have resulted in over 300 deaths in Indonesia, with 166 in North Sumatra Province, 90 in West Sumatra Province, and 47 in Aceh Province.
Suharyanto, the head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, stated that tens of thousands have been evacuated, but many areas in the three provinces remain inaccessible. He mentioned in a press conference that West Sumatra Province has initiated artificial rain programs to reduce disaster risks from subsequent rainfall. The heavy rainfall has started to ease off.
In Thailand, floodwaters in Songkhla province in the south reached three meters, causing 162 deaths, marking one of the most severe floods in the past decade.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his apologies for the damage caused by the floods. Today, he stated, “Whenever there is loss, death, or injury, it is undoubtedly the responsibility of the Prime Minister.” He vowed to utilize all his expertise to improve the situation and announced that cleanup efforts in the disaster-stricken areas will be completed within two weeks.
The Thailand Flood Rescue Center reported that over 40,000 people have sought refuge in evacuation centers, while “some residents have already returned home.”
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that more than 6,000 Malaysian citizens stranded in Hat Yai due to flooding have been rescued. The floods submerged parts of northern Perlis, leading to two deaths.
The monsoon season from June to September typically brings heavy rains, often triggering landslides and flash floods. Tropical storms have exacerbated the situation, resulting in one of the highest death tolls in recent years in Indonesia and Thailand. Climate change has altered storm patterns, including prolonging and intensifying monsoon seasons, leading to heavier rainfall, more frequent flash floods, and stronger winds.
(Courtesy of Central News Agency)