Asia's Week of Floods

Picture Credit: by Reuters

Asia is confronting an unprecedented climate catastrophe as two powerful storms, Cyclone Senar in Southeast Asia and Cyclone Ditto in South Asia, have unleashed widespread destruction, taking more than 1,100 lives and displacing millions. The scale and simultaneity of the disasters have left rescue agencies stretched thin and entire regions in urgent need of relief.

Cyclone Senar, an exceptionally rare system that formed in the Malacca Strait, tore through Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia within a week. Indonesia has been the worst hit, with Sumatra suffering deadly landslides, collapsed bridges, overflowing rivers, and entire villages smothered by mud. At least 600 people have died, more than 450 remain missing, and over half a million residents have been evacuated. Military helicopters, warships, and hospital ships are now delivering aid to isolated communities.

Thailand’s southern provinces have also endured staggering rainfall, with parts of Songkhla recording a once-in-300-year deluge. Floodwaters rose above eight feet in Hat Yai, claiming at least 176 lives and affecting nearly 2.8 million people. Emergency teams have been airlifting patients from submerged hospitals while rushing critical supplies to cut-off localities. Malaysia’s northern state of Perlis has similarly faced extensive flooding, forcing thousands into evacuation centers.

Picture Credit: by NexNews

In South Asia, Cyclone Ditto carved a path of devastation after forming over the Bay of Bengal and slamming into Sri Lanka. Entire towns were submerged and hillsides collapsed, knocking out communication and power lines. The country’s death toll has climbed to 355, with hundreds missing and more than 1.1 million people affected. Sri Lanka has described the situation as the most challenging disaster and rescue mission in its history. India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver relief supplies and evacuate stranded citizens, even as Tamil Nadu battles heavy rainfall linked to the same system.

Across Asia, rescue operations continue under harsh conditions. With hundreds still missing and millions displaced, the immediate danger persists, and for survivors, the struggle to rebuild has only just begun.