Around 600 people have died across South and Southeast Asia after relentless rain triggered widespread flooding and landslides. Millions have been affected as monsoon downpours and the rare tropical Cyclone Senyar battered Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
In Indonesia, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding on Sumatra island from Wednesday. By Saturday, authorities had confirmed more than 300 deaths, with fears the toll could rise as at least 300 people remain missing, according to media report.
Disaster management officials said rescue efforts were being hampered by dangerous weather. Thousands have been evacuated while hundreds remain stranded on rooftops.
Thailand has also been hit by intense monsoon rains and cyclone impacts, leaving at least 160 people dead.
In Songkhla province, floodwaters rose as high as three metres. Local officials said 145 of the deaths occurred during what they described as one of the worst floods in a decade.
The government reported that floods and landslides have affected more than 3.8 million people across 10 provinces.
Hat Yai city recorded 335 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in 300 years. Morgues in the city ran out of space, forcing hospitals to store bodies in refrigerated trucks.
Authorities have announced compensation of up to two million baht (Tk75.87 lakh) for affected families.
Neighbouring Malaysia reported fewer fatalities but similarly widespread damage.
The northern state of Perlis saw large areas submerged, with at least two people confirmed dead. Several thousand residents have been moved to relief shelters.
Sri Lanka has also declared a state of emergency after Cyclone Ditwah left more than 130 people dead and 170 missing, according to media report.
Officials said over 15,000 homes were destroyed and 78,000 people have taken refuge in temporary shelters. One-third of the country has lost power and water supply.
Meteorologists believe the extreme weather across the region may have been caused by the combined influence of Typhoon Koto near the Philippines and the rare Cyclone Senyar over the Malacca Strait.
