Climate change is bringing extreme weather to the doors of communities which are already marginalized, damaged, and devastated by historical oppression. Cyclones devastate in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The devastation wrought by the continuing crisis continues to take lives, displace communities, and wreck critical infrastructure. On Wednesday, cyclone Ditwah was moving north-northwest inland over Sri Lanka. Thousands are now in a life-threatening situation due to this unprecedented extreme weather.
Sri Lanka’s national disaster management center provides the latest estimates, reporting that 44,000 people have been displaced so far. Many are still displaced, now residing in tent camps. The cyclone’s overwhelming destructive force has spurred immediate response from the surrounding countries. International agencies are rushing resources to support ongoing relief efforts.
Cyclone Impact in Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah has already severely affected Sri Lanka. Now, it is charging into southern India, pushing fears of even more destruction. While the cyclone has been incredibly destructive all around, certain hard-hit areas were worse affected even during the storm. Mudslides, power blackouts, and disrupted communications are complicating search and rescue efforts.
“Mudslides that covered much of the area, power blackouts and lack of telecommunications were hampering the search efforts.” – Suharyanto
In response, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto quickly countered that and within hours said that three aircraft headed their way. They transport rescue personnel, food, medicines, blankets, field tents, and generators to bring much needed relief to survivors of the crisis.
“We continue to send aid and support the needs of those affected.” – Prabowo Subianto
Widespread Devastation in Indonesia
The reality on the ground in Indonesia is dire. Pictures of the disaster on the island of Sumatra, at least 248 lives have been lost, with 79 still missing. Climate shocks have affected more than 3.5 million people in U.S. Meteorologists attribute this extreme state, for the first time in almost a century, to the combination of typhoon Koto in the Philippines and cyclone Senyar in the Malacca Strait.
Tropical Cyclone Senyar heavy rainfall and powerful winds, affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau and surrounding areas. Consequently, more than 3,000 families had to flee to emergency government shelters. This increase in displaced people underscores the growing need for humanitarian relief as floodwaters still threaten many communities.
“Many roads are cut off, and the weather remains unfavorable. Even our helicopters and planes sometimes struggle to land.” – Prabowo Subianto
Regional Response and Evacuations
As the crisis worsens by the day in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Our neighboring countries are in turmoil as well from such mass loss of life due to flooding. As of last week, the Thai government reported 162 people had died from flood-related events in eight southern provinces.
A successful evacuation was confirmed by Malaysia’s foreign ministry. Beyond the initial waters, they were able to evacuate 1,459 of their Malaysian nationals from over 25 flood-hit hotels in Thailand. During an update this week, officials said they were trying to rescue more than 300 people who remain trapped in areas damaged by flooding.
Currently, about 30,000 evacuees are sheltering in provinces across the country. This figure represents a drop from more than 34,000 earlier this week. The situation is still developing as search-and-rescue efforts go on amid punishing storms.
