Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Floods Ravage Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand

Addis Ababa, December 1, 2025 (FMC) — Catastrophic flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand have claimed more than 1,000 lives over recent days, according to official tallies from the affected nations.

Indonesia has reported the highest toll so far, with the national disaster management agency confirming 502 deaths and 508 people missing across several provinces.

In Sri Lanka, authorities said at least 340 people have been killed, with many more still unaccounted for. Floodwaters in Colombo peaked overnight, and with rainfall easing on Monday, there is cautious hope that water levels will start receding.

In response to the devastation, both Indonesia and Sri Lanka have mobilized their armed forces to lead large-scale rescue and relief missions. In Indonesia, the military has deployed warships, hospital ships and transport aircraft to deliver emergency aid — including food supplies, medical equipment and essential relief materials — to isolated communities cut off by rising waters.

Sri Lanka has similarly relied on military helicopters to airlift stranded residents and deliver aid to submerged neighbourhoods. Thousands of police officers and disaster-response personnel in both countries are also clearing blocked roads, distributing relief packages and assisting in mass evacuations.

Thailand’s southern provinces remain severely affected, with 176 fatalities confirmed in what officials have described as one of the deadliest flood events in a decade. In northern Malaysia, authorities have reported two deaths in Perlis state as inundation continues to spread across several districts.

Governments across the region say reaching remote and isolated areas remains a top priority, as damaged roads and washed-out bridges continue to hamper rescue efforts.