Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 2: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed profound sadness over the devastating impact of recent torrential rains and storms that have swept across several Asian countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and neighbouring regions, causing significant loss of life and widespread devastation.
In a message issued on Tuesday, the nonagenarian leader conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the calamities. “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives,” he said, acknowledging the immense suffering faced by millions affected by the extreme weather events.
His Holiness also extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and for those enduring hardship as a result of the disasters. He noted the urgency of ongoing humanitarian efforts and offered prayers for their success. “My prayers also for the success of the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts across all affected regions, that they may bring comfort and relief to as many people as possible,” he stated.
A series of deadly storms, heavy monsoon rains and cyclones have battered large parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, especially Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and other neighbouring countries. The downpours were exacerbated by multiple cyclones, including a rare tropical storm that formed over the Malacca Strait, which intensified rain systems and triggered floods and landslides.
As of the latest reports, more than 1,300 people have been confirmed dead across the region, with hundreds more missing. In the worst-hit country, Indonesia, at least 712 people have died, primarily in North Sumatra, with over 500 missing, according to official counts. In Sri Lanka, the death toll from cyclonic rains and floods is significant, with over 410 confirmed dead, many missing, and a large-scale evacuation underway. In Thailand, reports cite around 176 to 181 deaths in the flood-affected areas. In Malaysia and some other parts of Southeast Asia, fatalities are lower in number, but thousands have been displaced, with ongoing risk due to flooding and landslides.
Beyond the loss of life, the disaster has displaced millions, with large swathes of population evacuated from flood-prone zones; homes, infrastructure, roads and bridges have been destroyed; water supply, utilities and access to remote communities remain severely disrupted.
Experts and analysts point out that a confluence of factors triggered the disaster, an unusually active monsoon season, overlapping with multiple tropical cyclones, including a rare one over the Malacca Strait, has greatly amplified rainfall and instability across the region. Climate scientists warn that such extreme weather events, heavier rains, more frequent storms and floods, are becoming more common, and are linked to global warming and changing climate patterns.
