Dec 06 (V7N) — The death toll from floods and landslides across Southeast Asia has risen to more than 1,750, with hundreds of people still missing, as authorities warn that the situation in several countries could worsen due to continued heavy rainfall.

Disaster management agencies in Indonesia and Sri Lanka have cautioned that fresh downpours may trigger further flooding and landslides, complicating rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams, security forces, and volunteers are working to assist millions affected across the region.

Indonesia has been the worst hit, with authorities confirming at least 867 deaths, while 521 people remain missing. More than 800,000 people are reported to be stranded in Aceh province in Sumatra alone. The local meteorological office has warned of “very heavy rainfall” in Aceh until Saturday (December 6).

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf said search and rescue operations are ongoing to recover bodies, adding that growing poverty and food shortages pose serious challenges in affected areas.

In Sri Lanka, the government has confirmed 607 deaths, with at least 214 people still missing. President Anuradha Kumaratunga described the disaster as the most complex natural calamity the country has faced to date.

Thailand has also suffered major losses, with at least 276 deaths reported so far. Meanwhile, two deaths each have been confirmed in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Survivors in many regions, particularly in flood-hit parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra island, are struggling to return to normal life as infrastructure damage, displacement, and shortages of food and clean water persist. Authorities across the region have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the risk of further disasters remains high.

END/SMA/AJ