Southeast Asia floods claim 241 lives, rescue efforts continue

Published: 28 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The death toll from floods across Southeast Asia has risen to at least 241 as authorities work tirelessly to rescue stranded citizens, restore power and communications, and coordinate recovery efforts while waters begin to recede.

Large parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have been hit by cyclone-fuelled torrential rain over the past week, with a rare tropical storm forming in the Malacca Strait.

In Indonesia, Sumatra island remains the hardest-hit region, with 94 confirmed fatalities reported by provincial authorities. In Padang Pariaman, 22 people lost their lives, and many residents remain unreachable by rescue teams. “We’re running out of supplies and food,” said Muhammad Rais, a 40-year-old resident forced to move to the second floor of his home to escape rising waters.

In Batang Toru, northern Sumatra, seven unclaimed victims were buried in a mass grave. Authorities continue to airlift aid and personnel into affected areas while clearing debris and restoring communications.

Thailand reported 145 deaths across eight southern provinces, with over 3.5 million people affected. In Hat Yai, residents waded through ankle-deep water as they assessed the damage. Some survivors, though spared from direct flooding, remain isolated due to blocked roads.

Malaysia recorded two deaths from the floods, while tropical storm Senyar, which made landfall at midnight, has weakened but continues to bring heavy rains and strong winds. Authorities have evacuated thousands to shelters, and efforts continue to rescue nationals stranded in flood-hit hotels in Thailand.

The devastating floods highlight the vulnerability of Southeast Asia to extreme weather events, with governments and humanitarian organizations racing against time to mitigate further loss and provide relief to affected populations.