Indonesia, Thailand floods kill over 600; hundreds still missing

Padang: The death toll from severe floods and landslides across Southeast Asia surpassed 600 on Sunday, as Indonesian and Thai authorities raced to clear debris and search for hundreds of missing people. Heavy monsoon rain overwhelmed large parts of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia this week, leaving thousands stranded without shelter or critical supplies.

Which Indonesian regions remain unreachable?

At least two areas of Indonesia’s worst-hit Sumatra island remained inaccessible on Sunday. Authorities said two warships had been deployed from Jakarta to deliver urgent aid.

Central Tapanuli and Sibolga city "require full attention due to being isolated", National Disaster Agency head Suharyanto said in a statement, adding that the ships were expected in Sibolga on Monday.

Indonesia’s disaster authority said the country’s death toll had risen to 442, with 402 people still missing. At least 646 others had been injured.

In Sungai Nyalo village, around 100 kilometres from West Sumatra’s capital Padang, floodwaters had mostly receded, leaving homes, vehicles and crops coated in thick grey mud. Residents told that authorities had not yet begun clearing the roads and no external assistance had arrived.

"Most villagers chose to stay; they did not want to leave their houses behind," said Idris, 55, who goes by one name.

Across the island’s north coast, an endangered Sumatran elephant was found buried in thick mud and debris near damaged buildings in Meureudu town.

How are neighbouring countries coping?

In Thailand, where at least 162 people were killed in one of the worst floods in a decade, authorities continued delivering aid and clearing damage.

Relief measures rolled out by the Thai government include compensation of up to two million baht (62,000 dollars) for households that lost family members.

However, mounting public criticism has emerged over Thailand’s flood response, and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures.

In Malaysia, two people were killed after floods left parts of northern Perlis state underwater.

What is driving such severe weather?

The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often triggers heavy rain, landslides and flash floods. This year, a tropical storm has worsened conditions, pushing the tolls in Indonesia and Thailand to among the highest seen in recent years.

Climate change has increasingly influenced storm patterns, affecting duration and intensity, and leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.

AFP inputs