Morgues overflow as floods kill 250+ in Thailand, Indonesia
What's the story
Devastating floods across Southeast Asia have killed over 250 people, with Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia being the worst-hit countries. The region has been battered by heavy monsoon rains and a tropical storm system. In Indonesia's Sumatra island alone, at least 111 people have died due to flooding and landslides, with nearly 100 more missing.
Rescue operations
Emergency response efforts underway in Indonesia
Authorities in Indonesia are now focusing on evacuation and providing assistance to those affected by the floods. However, access to some areas remains difficult due to damaged infrastructure. Ferry Walintukan, a police spokesman from North Sumatra, told AFP they are hoping for better weather conditions to facilitate rescue operations. In Aceh province of Sumatra, receding waters have left behind mud that buried cars almost up to their windows.
Thailand impact
Thailand's southern provinces face severe flooding
In Thailand, at least 145 people have died due to flooding in the southern provinces. Southern Thailand was one of the worst-hit places. The majority of the locations are located in Songkhla province, where officials at the Songklanagarind Hospital said they no longer had room to accept the dead and were now depending on refrigerated trucks as their morgue has reached full capacity. In Malaysia, two people have died due to flooding in northern Perlis state.
Malaysia impact
Malaysia also affected by flooding
The annual monsoon season usually lasts from June-September and brings heavy rains that cause landslides and flash floods. However, a tropical storm has worsened the situation. Climate change has altered storm patterns, making seasons longer and more intense with heavier rainfall. "Climate scientists have already warned that extreme weather events...will continue to worsen as temperatures increase," said Renard Siew, climate change advisor to the Centre for Governance and Political Studies in Malaysia. "That is exactly what we have been seeing."