Rescue efforts intensify in Asia as flood deaths surge

After the death toll exceeded 1,200 and more than 800 people went missing in floods and landslides in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, emergency teams are racing to reach survivors and recover more bodies.

Days of heavy monsoon rains flooded large areas, leaving thousands stranded and many clinging to rooftops, waiting for help.

At least 1,230 people have died in floods and landslides, including 659 in Indonesia, 390 in Sri Lanka and 181 in Thailand, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

In Indonesia, the country most affected by the fire, rescue teams are having difficulty reaching villages on the island of Sumatra, where roads have been eroded and bridges have collapsed.

At least 475 people remain missing, according to the country’s National Disaster Management Agency.

Helicopters and boats have been deployed, but officials warn that worsening weather conditions and damaged infrastructure are slowing operations.

Military-led rescue teams in Sri Lanka continue to comb devastated areas to find 352 people still missing in floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the disaster management center said.

However, access remains a problem due to road closures, landslides and bridge collapses in many places.

Residents in the central city of Kandy were struggling with thirst and were relying instead on bottled water collected from natural sources.

Officials warn that conditions may worsen as more rain is expected in the coming days.

Cleaning efforts have begun in the streets and buildings in southern Thailand following the severe floods that affected more than 1.5 million households and 3.9 million people.

Authorities are working to repair infrastructure, including water and electricity.

Thailand’s interior ministry said on Monday it would set up public kitchens to provide freshly cooked food to affected residents.

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat also said on Monday that the first compensation payment of 239 million baht ($11 million) would be distributed to 26,000 people.