More than 800 individuals were reported missing on Monday following catastrophic flooding that resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand last week. The casualties included at least 604 in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka, and 176 in Thailand.
During his visit to the affected regions, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the need for increased efforts to combat the impacts of climate change. Significant challenges were faced in reaching certain areas due to damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication lines, with air transport being the primary method of delivering essential supplies.
The National Disaster Management Agency disclosed that 464 individuals were unaccounted for in Indonesia, with nearly 291,000 residents displaced across various provinces. President Prabowo stressed the importance of proactive measures by local governments to protect the environment and prepare for future climate-related disasters.
In Sri Lanka, rescue teams continued their search for 367 missing persons, with around 218,000 individuals seeking refuge in temporary shelters following landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, particularly in the central hill country known for its tea plantations.
In Thailand, the government announced the initiation of compensation payments, starting with 26,000 individuals set to receive a total of 239 million baht ($10.9 million Cdn.) on Monday. Efforts were underway to restore vital infrastructure and services, such as water and electricity, particularly in the southern regions where approximately 3.9 million people were affected by severe flooding.
President Prabowo’s on-ground assessments confirmed that relief efforts were effectively reaching the affected populations, with a focus on addressing immediate needs and preparing for future climate challenges.
A Sri Lankan official highlighted ongoing search operations for 370 missing individuals, underscoring the continued urgency of the situation in the region.
