Over 1,000 Lives Lost Due to Floods and Landslides in Asia

Post by : Mina Rahman

Catastrophic floods and landslides have ravaged several regions in Asia, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities as of Monday, particularly in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where military forces have been mobilized to assist devastated communities.

Multiple weather fronts last week unleashed relentless and heavy precipitation across Sri Lanka, Sumatra in Indonesia, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia.

The persistent rainfall has forced many to seek refuge on rooftops, awaiting rescue via boats or helicopters, while a number of villages remain isolated from aid efforts.

During a visit to North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed hope that the worst is over and emphasized the government’s commitment to providing urgent assistance to the most impacted areas.

As of now, at least 502 individuals have been reported deceased in Indonesia, with over 500 still unaccounted for. This calamity marks the most devastating natural disaster in the nation since the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 2,000 lives.

In response, the Indonesian government has dispatched three naval vessels and two hospital ships to the severely impacted regions, where numerous roads are still blocked. Misbahul Munir, a 28-year-old evacuee in North Aceh, described his harrowing journey through neck-deep water to reach his parents, stating, "I lost everything; I only have the clothes on my back," as he struggled with tears.

In Sri Lanka, international aid has been requested as authorities deploy military helicopters to evacuate individuals trapped by flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Current reports indicate at least 340 fatalities, with many more still missing.

Floodwaters in Colombo have begun to recede, allowing some businesses to reopen. Relief teams are working tirelessly to clear routes obstructed by fallen trees and mudslides, which reveal the extensive destruction.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has declared a state of emergency, asserted, "This is the largest and most daunting natural disaster our nation has ever faced. We will rebuild a stronger nation than before."

Thailand and Malaysia have also experienced significant devastation. Southern Thailand has reported at least 176 deaths, while 2 fatalities have occurred in Malaysia’s Perlis state. Both countries have initiated relief operations, although public scrutiny regarding response time has increased.

Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating weather patterns, leading to more severe and frequent flooding and landslides.