Over 900 people have died in devastating floods and landslides across south-east Asia, with Sri Lanka bearing the brunt of the disaster. Cyclone Ditwah has brought heavy rains that triggered mudslides across the island, killing hundreds and leaving many more missing. The death toll has surpassed 334, with nearly 148,000 people displaced and housed in temporary shelters.
The floods have left homes, businesses, and infrastructure severely damaged, with entire neighborhoods submerged underwater. Residents are struggling to find food, water, and shelter as aid efforts are hampered by the extent of the damage and treacherous terrain.
Thailand has also been affected, with at least 162 people killed in one of the worst floods in a decade. The Thai government has rolled out relief measures, including compensation for households that lost family members, but public criticism is growing over its flood response.
The climate crisis is believed to have contributed to the disaster, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding becoming more frequent due to changing weather patterns. The situation is being closely monitored as Cyclone Ditwah is expected to move towards India's southern coast on Sunday.
Rescue efforts are underway, but the sheer scale of the disaster is overwhelming authorities. "We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history," said Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, vowing to rebuild with international support.
In Indonesia, where over 442 people have died and 402 are missing, aid efforts are also being hampered by the remote location of affected areas. The country's capital city has been particularly hard hit, with low-lying areas flooded and thousands stranded without critical supplies.
As the death toll rises, concerns are growing about the impact on local communities and the long-term effects of the disaster.
The floods have left homes, businesses, and infrastructure severely damaged, with entire neighborhoods submerged underwater. Residents are struggling to find food, water, and shelter as aid efforts are hampered by the extent of the damage and treacherous terrain.
Thailand has also been affected, with at least 162 people killed in one of the worst floods in a decade. The Thai government has rolled out relief measures, including compensation for households that lost family members, but public criticism is growing over its flood response.
The climate crisis is believed to have contributed to the disaster, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding becoming more frequent due to changing weather patterns. The situation is being closely monitored as Cyclone Ditwah is expected to move towards India's southern coast on Sunday.
Rescue efforts are underway, but the sheer scale of the disaster is overwhelming authorities. "We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history," said Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, vowing to rebuild with international support.
In Indonesia, where over 442 people have died and 402 are missing, aid efforts are also being hampered by the remote location of affected areas. The country's capital city has been particularly hard hit, with low-lying areas flooded and thousands stranded without critical supplies.
As the death toll rises, concerns are growing about the impact on local communities and the long-term effects of the disaster.