Asia hit by deadly cyclones and monsoon floods

December 01, 2025

Powerful tropical cyclones combined with intense monsoon rains have devastated large regions of Asia, killing more than 1,100 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. Authorities warn that the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more isolated communities overwhelmed by floods and landslides.

A rare collision of three major tropical weather systems—including an unusual cyclone that formed in the Malacca Strait—has unleashed destructive winds and relentless rainfall across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and surrounding nations over the past week.

Indonesia faces catastrophic losses

Indonesia has endured some of the most severe impacts. Widespread flooding across the archipelago has left 604 people dead and 464 still missing. Nearly 300,000 residents have been forced from their homes, and close to 3,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed, with 827 completely washed away.

On Sumatra, videos circulating on social media show crowds scrambling through shattered streets and flooded roads, desperate to secure food, fuel, and medical supplies.

One of the most unusual meteorological events was the formation of Cyclone Senyar, which developed just north of the equator—an area where cyclones rarely form due to weak rotational force. Indonesia’s meteorology agency described the cyclone as “rare,” though increasingly observed in the last five years.

“Indonesia’s position near the equator typically protects it from tropical cyclone formation,” said Andri Ramdhani of the national meteorology, climatology, and geophysics agency.

Multiple storms amplify the destruction

Two additional storms intensified the crisis:

• Typhoon Koto triggered severe flash floods in the Philippines before moving toward Vietnam.

• Cyclone Ditwah slammed into Sri Lanka, causing massive landslides and widespread flooding.

Sri Lanka battles its worst weather disaster in 20 years

Sri Lanka has reported 355 deaths, with 366 people still missing, as record-breaking rains inundate communities. More than 1.3 million people have been affected nationwide, marking the country’s most devastating extreme weather event in two decades.

Rescue teams and military personnel are working around the clock to clear blocked roads, deliver aid, and evacuate families trapped by mudslides and fallen trees. Nearly 148,000 people are now living in temporary shelters.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declared a state of emergency, pledged to rebuild with international support. “We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history,” he said. “We will rebuild a stronger, safer nation.”

Although rains have eased, large parts of Colombo remain underwater, prompting a major relief operation.

Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia also hit hard

Thailand’s public health ministry confirmed 170 deaths following some of the worst floods the nation has seen in a decade. Authorities are working to deliver aid and have offered up to 2 million baht (£47,000) in compensation to families who lost loved ones. Public anger is growing over the government’s response, leading to the suspension of two local officials.

In Vietnam, flooding linked to Typhoon Koto killed three people after two boats capsized amid strong winds. Heavy rains have submerged popular tourist areas and historical sites, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. More rainfall—up to 150mm (6 inches)—is forecast for the coming days.

Malaysia’s northern Perlis state also remains underwater, where flooding has killed two people and forced 18,700 residents into evacuation centers, according to the national disaster management agency.

Climate change amplifies extreme weather

Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is increasing the intensity of tropical cyclones. Warmer oceans fuel stronger storms, while global heating amplifies extreme rainfall events across much of the world—even as the overall number of cyclones remains relatively stable.