Death toll climbs in Southeast Asia as heavy rains cause floods and landslides

Southeast Asia continues to face the devastating aftermath of relentless heavy rains, with Vietnam and Thailand bearing the brunt of widespread flooding and landslides. As of Monday, the death toll in Vietnam has climbed to 91, with 11 individuals still missing. The torrential rains, which began a week ago, have caused severe flooding and triggered landslides across an 800-kilometer stretch from Quang Tri to Lam Dong provinces, including the highlands. Dak Lak province, the hardest-hit area, recorded 63 fatalities, primarily due to drowning. Other affected provinces include Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Danang, Hue, and Quang Tri. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver food and aid supplies and assist in evacuations, as many roads remain impassable. In Thailand, five fatalities and four injuries have been reported across six southern provinces, with nearly 2 million people affected by flash flooding. The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province experienced its highest 24-hour rainfall in 300 years, complicating evacuation efforts. Malaysia is also grappling with severe flooding, with over 12,500 people evacuated across nine states, particularly in the northeastern state of Kelantan. The persistent rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, has caused extensive damage, with Vietnam estimating economic losses of around $500 million in this round of floods. The International Organization for Migration announced that South Korea would contribute $1 million to aid Vietnam in assisting displaced communities. Scientists warn that a warming climate is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, making floods and landslides increasingly destructive and frequent.