Floods and Landslides in South and Southeast Asia in 2025

Throughout November 2025, intense monsoon rains in South and Southeast Asia triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The total death toll has exceeded 900, with hundreds still reported missing. In Indonesia’s Sumatra region, numerous villages were destroyed by floods and landslides, many homes collapsed and infrastructure suffered severe damage. In southern Thailand, particularly in the city of Hat Yai, floodwaters reached the urban center; thousands of residents were evacuated due to extensive damage to infrastructure.

The expansion of flood zones, river overflows, sudden water surges and landslides triggered by saturated soils rendered thousands of homes uninhabitable and forced tens of thousands of people into emergency shelters. Governments in the region activated emergency protocols, launched large-scale search and rescue operations and deployed military units to hard-to-reach areas.

Disasters in Indonesia

Casualties and Official Statements

According to statements by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, 79 people lost their lives in floods and landslides, particularly on Sumatra Island, with figures in several regions still being updated. Some local authorities announced that numerous villages had become inaccessible due to heavy rainfall and land movements, and that search operations for missing persons were ongoing.

Sumatra Island, Indonesia, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Additional reports from various local administrations indicated that roads had collapsed, rural areas had been swallowed by river floods and bridges had become unusable. Military teams provided helicopter and boat support during evacuation efforts.

Sumatra Island, Indonesia, 27 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Impact on Infrastructure and Settlements

In northern and western parts of Indonesia, stations, market areas and residential zones were submerged; in some areas, landslides buried entire villages, causing extensive structural damage. Official reports state that thousands of people have been relocated to temporary shelters. Power outages and road closures have hampered the progress of relief teams.

Floods and Landslides in Sri Lanka

Official Records and Losses

The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre reported that extreme rainfall across the country resulted in 47 fatalities and 21 people officially listed as missing. Subsequent official updates raised the death toll to 56. Authorities noted that soil saturation in mountainous regions triggered a series of landslides, completely blocking several village roads and making access extremely difficult for rescue teams.

Impact on Education and Public Order

The Sri Lankan government announced the temporary closure of schools, public offices and various service units in affected areas. The widespread inundation of homes increased demand for emergency aid; state agencies confirmed the deployment of food, medical supplies and shelter materials to impacted regions.

Consequences of Heavy Rainfall in Thailand

Floods caused by monsoon rains in Thailand inflicted serious damage across multiple regions. Official statements indicated that river levels had risen dangerously, several settlements were rapidly evacuated and thousands of people were relocated to temporary centers.

Regional and Meteorological Context

The unusually intense monsoon activity during this period was identified as the primary trigger for the floods. River basin overflows, rapidly developing flash floods and landslides caused by saturated ground created a complex disaster chain. Official meteorological agencies emphasized that rainfall in some areas exceeded critical thresholds within hours, leading to unprecedented rises in water levels.