Rescue efforts intensify as over 1,200 people die from floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand

BATANG TORU, Indonesia Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors and recover additional victims after last weeks devastating floods and landslides in Southeast Asia claimed over 1,200 lives across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, with more than 800 people still unaccounted for.

Persistent heavy monsoon rains submerged vast regions, leaving thousands stranded and forcing many to take refuge on rooftops while awaiting rescue. Authorities reported at least 1,230 fatalities: 659 in Indonesia, 390 in Sri Lanka, and 181 in Thailand.

In Indonesia, the worst-affected country, emergency responders face extreme challenges reaching villages on Sumatra Island as washed-out roads and collapsed bridges block access. The National Disaster Management Agency stated that 475 people remain missing. Helicopters and boats are being deployed, but deteriorating weather and damaged infrastructure are hampering relief efforts.

In Sri Lanka, military-led rescue units continue searching for 352 missing individuals after floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the Disaster Management Center. Blocked roads and collapsed bridges make reaching affected areas difficult. In Kandy, central Sri Lanka, residents are coping with water shortages, relying on bottled water collected from local springs. Authorities have warned that conditions may worsen as further rainfall is expected.

Southern Thailand has begun clearing streets and buildings following massive flooding that affected more than 1.5 million households and 3.9 million people. Authorities are working to restore essential services, including water and electricity. Thailands Interior Ministry announced the establishment of public kitchens to provide meals for those impacted. The government also plans to distribute the first installment of compensation totaling 239 million baht ($7.4 million) to 26,000 residents, according to spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat.

Reporting from Jakarta, Indonesia, Karmini contributed this coverage, with additional reports from Jintamas Saksornchai in Bangkok and Eranga Jayawardena in Sarasavigama, Sri Lanka.

Author: Sophia Brooks