A powerful tropical storm sweeping across Southeast Asia has caused massive devastation, with over 600 deaths and more than 4 million people affected across Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The widespread destruction follows days of torrential rainfall, landslides, and flash floods.
According to Reuters, Indonesia has reported 435 deaths and over 400 people missing, making it the worst-hit country. Indonesian disaster officials told the agency that more than 213,000 residents have been displaced, with entire villages in western Sumatra cut off due to collapsed roads and washed-away bridges.
CNN, citing regional emergency authorities, reported that the combined impact across Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia has pushed the total number of affected people beyond 4 million, with hospitals struggling to accommodate the injured.
In Thailand, 170 fatalities have been confirmed, mostly in the southern province of Songkhla. Hat Yai city recorded 335 mm of rainfall in a single day, the highest in 300 years, according to Reuters and further corroborated by CNN Weather analysis, which described the rainfall intensity as “historically unprecedented”.
Malaysia has confirmed three deaths so far, while nearly 19,000 people remain in evacuation shelters, according to Reuters. Local reports cited by CNN noted that several districts remain underwater despite improving weather conditions.
A broader regional picture reported by The New York Times highlights that the storm created a “multi-country humanitarian crisis,” overwhelming local authorities and exposing significant gaps in early-warning systems. NYT’s assessment adds that with large areas still unreachable, the true scale of casualties may be higher.
Meteorologists cited by CNN described the storm as an “extremely rare formation” in the Malacca Strait, a region not typically prone to tropical cyclones. The NYT added that unusual sea-surface temperatures may have amplified rainfall intensity.
Governments across Southeast Asia have launched military-led rescue efforts, deploying helicopters, boats, and emergency medical teams. According to Reuters, relief agencies are warning of potential disease outbreaks as floodwaters stagnate and sanitation collapses in several districts.
With thousands still missing and heavy rains expected to continue in parts of the region, authorities across all three countries caution that the death toll may rise further.
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