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CWA # 1866
CW Note
Devastating floods in Southeast and South Asia: High Casualties and Multiple Challenges

  Akriti Sharma
6 December 2025

In the news
On 3 December, The Straits Times reported that 850 people were killed and 634 people went missing in heavy floods on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. 

On 3 December, according to the Daily Mirror, the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka reported that the death toll due to cyclone Ditwah and adverse weather conditions had risen to 479, with 350 people missing.

On 2 December, according to The Hindu, 181 people in Thailand were reported dead due to floods, affecting 3.9 million people.

On 30 November, Nikkei Asia reported that over 200 people were killed in the Philippines on Cebu Island due to Typhoon Kalmaegi. Thousands of people protested nationwide against fraud in the flood control project, leading to numerous arrests.

Issues at large
First, the unusual cyclone activity. The unusual cyclone activity in Asia is due to La Niña (strong winds push warm water across the Pacific towards East Asia, increasing the likelihood of storms). The recent typhoons, cyclones, and hurricanes in Southeast Asia and South Asia are also due to a strongly positive Indian Ocean Dipole.

Second, increasing compound disasters. While climate change does not create storms, it can increase their frequency and intensity. The frequency of storms in the Bay of Bengal has increased in the past 50 years. The hotter the climate becomes, the weaker the wind shear that breaks up and develops storms. Rising temperatures lead to more variable and intense monsoons. Moreover, the disasters are not happening in isolation but leading to one another. For instance, storms cause floods, which in turn trigger landslides, resulting in multiple hazards. Such compound events increase the emergency, magnify damage, and demand a long recovery.

Third, rapid urbanization and exposed vulnerable populations. Both Southeast and South Asia are densely populated regions. They have experienced unplanned rapid urban expansion, resulting in housing in low-lying areas and on coasts, encroachment on drainage systems, and increased informal settlements. Consequently, disasters result in huge human losses and are difficult to manage. Vulnerable groups are disproportionately exposed and get displaced.

Fourth, challenges of management and risk-reduction. In Indonesia, people have been accusing the authorities of their inability to provide relief as they cope with the disaster. Authorities failed to reach out to affected regions and provide relief due to the massive floods. Similarly, protests in the Philippines questioned the accountability of the flood project and accused officials of corruption. The region has poorly designed disaster-resilient infrastructure coupled with governance gaps. Flood control projects often face corruption, misallocation of funds, and delays. Additionally, while most countries do have early warning systems in place, communication is ineffective, increasing the impact.

In perspective
First, investing in resilient infrastructure and urban planning. With the likelihood of increasing extreme weather events, governments need to enhance resilient infrastructure and effective urban planning by relocating natural waterways, redesigning drainage, and constructing climate-proof bridges and roads.

Second, strengthening accountability and anti-corruption. The Philippines' protests indicate how infrastructure corruption has led to huge economic and human losses. There is a need for transparency in flood control projects. 

Third, the need for adaptation finance. The floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia reveal how unequipped developing countries are to adapt to disasters and climate impacts. Currently, climate finance is far below required levels, increasing the vulnerability factor. Countries require finance for effective early warning systems, coastal protection, flood resilient housing and infrastructure.

About the author
Akriti Sharma is a PhD Scholar at NIAS.

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