Cyclone-Triggered Floods Claim Over 1,200 Lives, Hundreds Missing in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Image Source: Internet
Devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclones Senyar and Ditwah have ravaged Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. The death toll has surpassed 1,200, with over 800 people still unaccounted for in the affected countries. Heavy monsoon rains, which began last week, have inundated vast areas, stranding thousands and forcing many to cling to rooftops in desperate bids for help. Indonesia has been the hardest hit, with Cyclone Senyar exacerbating the situation. In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah has wreaked havoc, prompting southern Indian states to go on high alert. Rescue operations are underway in all affected countries, with emergency crews racing against time to reach survivors and recover bodies. In Indonesia, where the death toll stands at 659, rescuers are struggling to access villages on the island of Sumatra, where roads have been washed out and bridges have collapsed. The National Disaster Management Agency reports that at least 475 people remain missing. In Sri Lanka, military-led rescue teams are scouring devastated areas for 352 people still missing, but access remains a challenge due to landslides and collapsed bridges. Residents in Sri Lanka's Kandy are struggling to access clean water, relying on bottled water collected from natural springs. Authorities warn that conditions could worsen as more rain is forecast in the coming days. In southern Thailand, cleanup efforts have begun, but authorities are working to restore infrastructure, including water and electricity. To support affected residents, the Interior Ministry has announced plans to establish public kitchens and distribute compensation payments, valued at 239 million baht ($7.4 million), to 26,000 people.
