Asia is grappling with a deadly 'tsunami' of cyclones and monsoon rains that have unleashed widespread flooding, landslides and human suffering across Southeast Asia this week. 🌧️🌪️
'It feels like a tsunami,' said Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization, at a briefing in Geneva on December 3, 2025. She warned that this rare mix of heavy monsoon downpours and tropical cyclones is hitting communities near the equator unprepared for such extremes.
Senyar Storm Surprises Near Equator
Tropical cyclone Senyar battered northern Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand last week. The storm brought torrential rain, severe flooding and landslides—all highly unusual so close to the equator. Local communities, lacking experience with such events, have seen their impacts magnified. 🌊
Counting the Cost
Indonesia: Over 600 lives lost, 464 missing and more than 1.5 million people affected, with 570,000 displaced from their homes, according to the National Disaster Office.
Vietnam: Battling relentless rains for weeks, the country recorded an astonishing 1,739 mm of rain in 24 hours at a central station—one of the highest totals ever measured globally.
Sri Lanka: Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on the east coast, creating a fast-moving humanitarian emergency. Around 1.4 million people, including 275,000 children, are affected, with damaged roads and blocked communications hampering relief efforts.
Global Response & Climate Link
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sadness and pledged support for relief operations. UNICEF has called for urgent funding to help children and families in need.
Experts point to climate change as a key factor: a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to more extreme rainfall and flooding. The WMO cautions that such events are likely to become more frequent in our warming world.
Stay tuned for updates and take care out there! ✌️
Reference(s):
'Like a tsunami': Deadly cyclones and monsoon rains strike Asia
cgtn.com
