01.12.2025 09:00
Heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand has led to a major disaster. In total, more than 900 people have lost their lives across the three countries, while search and rescue teams are racing against time for hundreds of missing persons.
South Asia has been hit by heavy rains, causing floods and landslides that have led to widespread devastation across a large area. The consecutive toll figures coming from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand reveal that the region is facing one of the most severe disasters in recent years. Experts describe the events as "one of the most dramatic examples of extreme weather events exacerbated by the climate crisis."
DEATH TOLL IN SRI LANKA RISES TO 334
Sri Lanka is experiencing a major disaster due to the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent landslides. The death toll in the country has risen to 334, and this situation is reported to be the largest natural disaster seen since the 2004 tsunami.
The low-lying areas of the capital Colombo are completely submerged, and more than 148,000 people have been evacuated to safe areas. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency, stating, "We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history."
442 DEAD, 402 MISSING IN INDONESIA
Indonesia's Sumatra Island is also heavily affected by floods and landslides. In the country, 442 people have lost their lives, while 402 people are still unaccounted for. In the most affected areas, roads have collapsed, and communication networks have been completely severed. Authorities announced that contact has still not been established with two settlements.
Afrianti, who lost her home in Padang, described her experience, saying, "The water rose suddenly. We had to escape. When we returned, our house was gone. Only one wall remained, and we set up a tent next to it."
To ensure that aid reaches the region quickly, two warships have been sent from Jakarta, while the AP agency reported that the public is facing serious difficulties in accessing food and clean water. There are also reports that an endangered Sumatran elephant was trapped under the mud in Meureudu.
DEATH TOLL IN THAILAND RISES TO 162
In Thailand, one of the most severe floods in the last decade has been recorded. The country has seen 162 fatalities. The government announced that compensation will be paid to those who have lost loved ones, but reactions to disaster management are growing.
According to scientists, the monsoon rains, which are usually effective from June to September, have gained extraordinary strength this time due to the influence of tropical storms. The increase in the intensity of rainfall has triggered strong winds, sudden floods, and large-scale landslides.
It is reported that Cyclone Ditwah continues to move towards the southern coast of India after Sri Lanka.