Indonesia: Nearly 800 killed by tropical storm that swept across Asia
A rare tropical storm that formed in the Strait of Malacca brought days of torrential rain and strong winds across parts of Southeast Asia, causing floods and landslides that have left almost 800 people dead and many more displaced.
Official counts show at least 604 people have died in Indonesia and 464 remain missing. Thailand has reported at least 176 deaths and Malaysia at least three fatalities. In total, the death toll across the affected countries approaches 800, according to official figures.
The Indonesian disaster management agency says more than 28,000 homes in Indonesia have been damaged and about 1.5 million people have been affected.
Scenes of destruction in Indonesia
Under clear skies in the town of Palembayan in West Sumatra, hundreds of residents were seen clearing mud, fallen tree trunks and debris from streets. Some people salvaged important belongings such as documents and motorcycles from damaged homes. Men in camouflage uniforms were cutting through wood, concrete and corrugated metal as trucks carrying people searched for missing relatives and delivered drinking water. In many places, residents had to wade through knee-deep mud.
Government recovery efforts are focused on restoring roads, bridges and telecommunications to reach isolated communities and speed aid deliveries.
Leadership response and broader context
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited three hard-hit areas and praised residents’ resilience. He said there are still roads cut off but authorities are doing everything they can to overcome the difficulties and that the nation is united in solidarity.
The storm follows months of severe and deadly weather across Southeast Asia, including typhoons that struck the Philippines and Vietnam and triggered repeated and prolonged flooding elsewhere. Scientists have warned that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent as global warming continues.
