The devastating floods across South-east Asia have claimed at least 161 lives as authorities scramble to rescue stranded citizens, restore power and communications, and coordinate recovery efforts. While the waters are slowly receding, the human toll continues to rise.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have borne the brunt of a cyclone-fueled week of torrential rains, with a rare tropical storm forming in the Malacca Strait. Sri Lanka also reported 46 deaths from a separate cyclone, adding to the regional catastrophe.
On the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, 72 people have been confirmed dead, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency. In Padang Pariaman, where 22 lives were lost, residents faced water levels exceeding one metre, and many had yet to be reached by rescue teams as of Friday.
Muhammad Rais, a 40-year-old resident of Padang Pariaman, shared his struggle: “We’re running out of supplies and food.” Forced to move to the second floor of his home to escape rising waters, he described ongoing power outages and blocked roads caused by landslides. Authorities continue to airlift aid and rescue personnel into the hardest-hit areas.
In Thailand, floods have killed 87 people across eight southern provinces, affecting more than 3.5 million people. In the southern city of Hat Yai, residents are slowly emerging from ankle-deep floodwaters, many without electricity, surveying the damage to their homes and businesses. One resident sadly stated he had “lost everything.”
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, tropical storm Senyar made landfall at midnight but has since weakened. Authorities confirmed two deaths and continue to warn of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, particularly threatening small boats. Over 30,000 evacuees remain in shelters, slightly down from Thursday’s figures. Malaysia’s foreign ministry reported the evacuation of 1,459 nationals from more than 25 flood-hit hotels in neighboring Thailand, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining 300 stranded citizens.
The region faces a long recovery ahead. Beyond the numbers and official reports, there are countless untold stories of families separated, homes lost, and communities relying on the courage of rescuers. For those affected, the aftermath of these floods is not just about rebuilding structures—it’s about reclaiming lives and hope.
