Efforts to recover from flooding underway in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand as death tolls increase

PADANG SIDEMPUAN, Indonesia Survivors of last weeks catastrophic floods in Southeast Asia were assured that assistance was reaching those in urgent need as regional governments intensified their disaster response efforts.

The recent flooding and landslides have claimed over 1,000 lives across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, with hundreds more still reported missing. Official counts indicate at least 502 fatalities in Indonesia, 334 in Sri Lanka, and 170 in Thailand.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited flood-affected regions on Sumatra island, promising infrastructure reconstruction while assessing the damage. Thousands have been left homeless, and 508 individuals remain unaccounted for as of Monday. Some areas remain isolated due to destroyed roads and downed communications, forcing residents to depend on aerial supply deliveries.

In Indonesia, flooding has displaced approximately 290,700 people across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. Prabowo, who toured North Sumatra Monday and planned visits to West Sumatra and Aceh later in the day, emphasized that government aid is reaching those in need. We must tackle climate change decisively, he stated, urging local authorities to protect the environment and prepare for future extreme weather events.

In Sri Lanka, officials reported that rescuers continue searching for 370 missing individuals. Around 148,000 people are currently housed in temporary shelters after intense rains caused widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in the central hill region known for tea cultivation.

Thailand began distributing compensation payments Monday, starting with 239 million baht ($7.4 million) for 26,000 affected residents, according to government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat. Authorities focused on clearing streets and restoring essential infrastructure, including water and electricity, in the southern regions where flooding impacted over 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people. Public kitchens will also be established to provide hot meals for those affected.

Author: Sophia Brooks