Death toll passes 900 in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka floods | Extreme weather

Authorities in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka are racing to clear debris and find hundreds of missing people after devastating floods and landslides in southern Asia killed more than 900 people.

In the latest example of the climate crisis’ impact on storm patterns and extreme weather, heavy monsoon rains have lashed parts of Southeast Asia in recent days, stranding thousands of people without shelter or critical supplies.

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka in South Asia, the death toll from floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah rose sharply to 334 on Sunday, with many more still missing, officials said. This is the worst natural disaster to hit the island in the last two decades.

In Indonesia, authorities said more than 442 people had died and 402 more were missing as they tried to reach the worst-hit parts of the island of Sumatra, where thousands were stranded without critical supplies.

“The water rose up to our house and we got scared, so we ran away. Then we came back on Friday and the house was gone,” Afrianti, 41, who goes by only one name, told Reuters in Padang, West Sumatra’s capital, where he took refuge.

He and his family of nine had built a tent shelter next to the only remaining wall of their home. “My house, my workplace, my shop is gone. There is nothing left. I can only live near this remaining wall,” he said.

At least two areas of Sumatra island were still inaccessible on Sunday, and officials said they had deployed two warships from Jakarta to deliver aid.

The Associated Press reported that some people had difficulty finding food and water as floods triggered landslides, damaged roads and cut communication lines. Videos on social media showed people breaching dilapidated barricades, flooded roads and broken glass to seize food, medicine and gas. Some waded through waist-deep floodwater to reach damaged markets.

Police spokesman Ferry Walintukan told the AP that there were reports of people breaking into stores Saturday evening and that area police were deployed. “The looting took place before logistical assistance arrived,” Walintukan said. “[Residents] “They didn’t know help was coming and were worried they would starve to death.”

Weather conditions and lack of heavy equipment also hindered rescue efforts. Aid has been slow to reach the hardest-hit city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli region of North Sumatra.

In the village of Sungai Nyalo, about 60 miles (100 km) from Padang, floodwaters mostly receded Sunday, covering homes, vehicles and crops in thick gray mud. Residents told Agence France-Presse that authorities had not yet started clearing the roads and that no outside help had arrived.

“Most of the villagers chose to stay; they didn’t want to leave their homes behind,” said Idris, 55.

Towards the island’s northern coast, near damaged buildings in the town of Meureudu, an endangered Sumatran elephant was buried in thick mud and debris. In northern Tapanuli, survivors waved frantically to helicopters carrying aid. Four navy ships docked at a port to support aid distribution.

In Thailand, where at least 162 people died in the worst floods in a decade, authorities continued to provide aid and repair damage. Relief measures implemented by the Thai government include compensation for households that have lost family members. But there is growing public criticism of Thailand’s response to the flood, and two local officials have been suspended over alleged failures.

The annual monsoon season, which usually occurs between June and September, often brings heavy rainfall and causes landslides and flash floods. This year, a tropical storm worsened conditions, and deaths in Indonesia and Thailand are among the highest floods in those countries in recent years.

The climate crisis has affected storm patterns, including the length and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash floods and stronger winds.

Low-lying areas were flooded in Sri Lanka’s capital on Sunday after a powerful cyclone unleashed heavy rains that triggered mudslides across the island, killing hundreds and leaving many more missing. Approximately 148,000 people were displaced and placed in temporary shelters.

The extent of the damage in the worst-hit central region became clear as aid workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides, officials said.

Selvi, a 46-year-old resident of the Colombo suburb, left her flooded home on Sunday with four bags full of clothes and valuables. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, the woman said, “My house is completely flooded. I don’t know where to go, but I hope there is a safe shelter where I can take my family.”

Reduced water levels in the town of Manampitiya, 255 miles northeast of Colombo, revealed massive devastation. “Manampitiya is a flood-prone town, but I have never seen this amount of water before,” said a 72-year-old resident, S Sivanandan.

He told the local News Center portal that businesses and property had suffered extensive damage. He said a car rolled over in front of the shop.

A woman in central Wellawaya said she heard a loud noise and went outside to see rocks tumbling down the mountainside before stopping near her home. “I saw trees falling and moving along with the rocks. We are afraid to go back to our homes,” he told reporters after moving to a shelter.

Cyclone Ditwah, which has developed in the sea east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move towards the southern coast of India on Sunday, officials say.

With reports from Reuters, Associated Press and Agence France-Presse