The death toll from floods in Asia approaches 500

About 500 people have been killed in floods caused by heavy rains in East and Southeast Asia, according to the latest data released by local authorities on Saturday. In Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, horrific images of flooded cities and residents stranded by water and landslides are still emerging in the wake of torrential rains that battered this part of the world for days.

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The Indonesian Disaster Management Agency reported more than 200 people killed, Thai authorities reported at least 162 people in the south of the country, the Sri Lankan government reported 123 people, and Malaysian authorities reported two deaths.

In Indonesia, North Sumatra Province is the most affected, with 116 deaths recorded. In neighboring West Sumatra, the death toll nearly tripled, rising from 23 to 61, while “90 people are still missing,” according to emergency agency spokesman Ilham Wahab. In the Aceh region, at least 35 people lost their lives.

Storms leave hundreds dead in Asia

In Sri Lanka, a large island south of India, floods and landslides caused by torrential rains left at least 123 people dead and tens of thousands displaced - Photo: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

Heavy rains also displaced civilians and caused deaths in Sri Lanka — Photograph: Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP

A photo from November 26 shows floods in Hat Yai, Thailand - Photograph: Arnun Chonmahatrakool / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP

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Heavy rains cause flooding and drowning in southern Thailand – Photograph: Arnun Chonmahatrakool / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP

The number of flood victims in southern Thailand has risen to 33 people, according to the government - Photograph: AFP — 5 out of 10
The number of flood victims in southern Thailand has risen to 33 people, according to the government – Photograph: AFP

People receiving food during the floods that hit Sri Lanka - Photograph: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP — 6 out of 10
People receiving food during the floods that hit Sri Lanka – Photograph: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

7 out of 10
Floods in Sri Lanka left at least 123 people dead – Photograph: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

In Sri Lanka, a large island south of India, rains have displaced tens of thousands of people, according to the local emergency management agency - Photograph: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP — 8 out of 10
In Sri Lanka, a large island south of India, rains have displaced tens of thousands of people, according to the local emergency management agency – Photograph: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

Indonesia's disaster management agency reports more than 200 people killed - Photograph: Shaider Muhyiddin/AFP — 9 out of 10
Indonesia’s disaster management agency reports more than 200 people killed – Photograph: Shaider Muhyiddin/AFP

In Indonesia, North Sumatra Province is the most affected, with 116 deaths recorded. In neighboring West Sumatra, the death toll nearly tripled, rising from 23 to 61 "90 people are still missing" – Photography: Shaider Mohieddin/Agence France-Presse — 10 out of 10
In Indonesia, North Sumatra Province is the most affected, with 116 deaths recorded. In neighboring West Sumatra, the death toll almost tripled, rising from 23 to 61, with “90 people still missing” – Photograph: Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP

Refrigerated trucks were mobilized to store the bodies of the victims

On Saturday, rescue teams were working to reach the most affected areas in Sumatra Province, a major tourist destination. In Thailand, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat reported on Saturday that “the total number of deaths in the seven affected provinces reached 162,” explaining that more than 100 people died in Songkhla province alone.

The water level rose to three meters in this area, which was subjected to one of the worst floods during the decade. To compensate for overcrowding in the morgues, refrigerated trucks were mobilized to store the bodies of the victims.

On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited a shelter in Hat Yai district, one of the worst-hit areas, and apologized for “allowing” the tragedy to happen during his government.

The Prime Minister added, “The next step is to prevent the situation from getting worse,” noting that clearing the area will take two weeks. The government launched assistance programs for those affected, including compensation of up to US$62,000 (about R$330,000) in some cases.

The death toll from floods in Asia approaches 500

Public dissatisfaction in Thailand over the management of the disaster is growing. Two local officials were suspended for alleged violations.

In neighboring Malaysia, two people died as a result of floods in the state of Perlis in the north of the country. In Sri Lanka, a large island south of India, floods and landslides caused by torrential rains killed at least 123 people and displaced tens of thousands, according to the local emergency management agency.

The annual monsoon season, between June and September, usually brings heavy rains causing tragedy, but a tropical storm this year exacerbated the situation. In Indonesia and Thailand, the death toll from floods is among the worst in recent years.

According to scientists, global warming caused by human activity is making extreme weather events more frequent, deadly and destructive. Experts warn that for every additional degree Celsius, the atmosphere could hold 7% more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall.