Sri Lanka and Indonesia Mobilize Military Forces as Deadly Asian Floods Claim Over 1,100 Lives

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: South China morning post.

Massive flooding across four Asian nations has triggered an urgent humanitarian and military response, as the combined death toll surpasses 1,100. Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have been hit by a devastating mix of tropical cyclones and intense monsoon rains, leaving millions affected, thousands displaced and vast areas submerged.

Indonesia has recorded at least 604 deaths, with 464 people still missing, according to the national disaster agency. The country is experiencing its deadliest disaster since the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. President Prabowo Subianto, visiting North Sumatra, said he believed “the worst has passed, hopefully,” as relief operations intensify. The government has deployed three warships, two hospital vessels and military aircraft to reach isolated communities where collapsed bridges, blocked roads and communication failures have hampered rescue efforts.

Sri Lanka, dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, has declared a nationwide state of emergency. At least 366 people have died, and an equal number remain unaccounted for. More than 148,000 residents have been moved into temporary shelters. Colombo experienced peak flood levels overnight, and while waters have begun to recede, the scale of destruction remains unclear. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the floods as “the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history,” vowing to rebuild a stronger nation.

In Ma Oya, residents like Hasitha Wijewardena are struggling to clean mud-filled homes, while others await military assistance. Rescue helicopters have also been deployed, though one crashed north of Colombo on Sunday.

Thailand has reported 176 deaths, with Hat Yai among the worst-hit areas. Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow has ordered immediate restoration of electricity and water services. Residents are being offered 9,000 baht in compensation and access to interest-free loans to support recovery.

Malaysia has confirmed three deaths linked to the flooding, as authorities continue monitoring the shifting weather conditions.

Across the region, thousands of schools in Indonesia and Thailand have been damaged or converted into emergency shelters, forcing widespread interruptions to children’s education. According to Save the Children, at least 1,000 schools in Sumatra alone have shut down.

Experts warn that climate breakdown is intensifying the severity of tropical cyclones, even if their overall frequency remains unchanged. Warmer oceans and increased atmospheric moisture are fueling heavier rainfall and more destructive storms—conditions clearly reflected in this week’s catast

rophic events.