Over 800 individuals are still unaccounted for following catastrophic floods that resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives last week across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The casualties include at least 604 in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka, and 176 in Thailand.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has committed to reconstructing damaged infrastructure in the affected regions. Due to road damage and disrupted communication lines, some areas remain inaccessible, with residents relying on air deliveries for essential supplies.
In Indonesia, 464 people are reported missing, and about 290,700 individuals have been displaced in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. President Prabowo emphasized the need for effective measures against climate change, urging local authorities to play a crucial role in environmental protection and readiness for future extreme weather events.
In Sri Lanka, rescue teams are actively searching for 367 missing persons, with approximately 218,000 individuals taking shelter in temporary accommodations following severe rainfall that triggered landslides, particularly in the central hill country’s tea-growing areas.
Thailand has initiated compensation disbursements, starting with 239 million baht ($10.9 million Cdn.) for 26,000 individuals. Efforts are underway to restore infrastructure, including water and electricity, in the southern region, where 3.9 million people were affected by extensive flooding.
President Prabowo, who toured North Sumatra and planned visits to West Sumatra and Aceh, emphasized that the government is effectively responding to the crisis and aiding those in need.
The importance of proactive climate change strategies and the involvement of local governments in environmental protection and preparedness for future weather challenges were reiterated by President Prabowo during his interactions with survivors.
