Heavy rains, floods, and landslides are severely testing the resilience of Asia region with a lot of vulnerable people.
The world’s climate is changing. The cause is well understood: emissions of greenhouse gases resulting from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels for heat, electricity and transportation; industrial processes; and changes in land use.
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Excessive’ rains hit millions across Asia
For weeks, countries across the Asia-Pacific have been experiencing a mix of heavier rains and higher temperatures, creating unpredictable weather patterns.
Java Island – Indonesia
Flooding occurred in Malang Regency of East Java Province after heavy rainfall on 17 October 2022. Over 1,000 homes were reported damaged in some away, affecting over 5,000 people.
The following day heavy rainfall caused the overflow of the Tawing River in Trenggalek Regency, East Java Province, flooding areas of 11 sub-districts including Kampak, Dongko, Gandusari, Tugu, Pule, Suruh, Bendungan, Trenggalek, Pogalan, Karangan and Durenan. Flood water was up to one metre deep in some areas. and a total of 2,457 houses were flooded, along with health centres and schools. In total 13,950 people were affected. Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Management BNPB reported one person died as a result of the flooding.
The heavy rain also caused several landslides in the area, which damaged around 50 houses.
Bali Island – Indonesia
Disaster authorities in Indonesia reported more severe weather struck the island on 17 October 2022, causing flash floods and landslides. One person died in Susut, Bangli Regency and another in flash floods in Jembrana Regency where 117 families were affected and around 45 houses damaged. Authorities also reported flooding and landslides in Karangasem Regency on 17 October, which left 3 dead, 3 injured, 200 affected and 8 displaced.
Sulawesi Island – Indonesia
Heavy rain has also caused flooding in parts of Sulawesi Island since over the last 7 days. Three people were reported missing after a landslide in Rumbia District, Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi Province on 14 October 2022. BNPB reported the bodies of 3 victims were recently recovered by search and rescue teams. Five homes in the area were damaged.
Heavy rain has continued causing floods in Palopo City inSouth Sulawesi Province on 17 October which damaged 1,746 homes and affected 8,730 people. The following day flooding affected over 3,000 people and damaged 650 homes and a bridge in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi.
Meanwhile flooding in Central Mamuju Regency of West Sulawesi Province damaged around 350 homes and impacted the lives of 1,252 people.
Southern Region – Thailand
Further adverse weather is forecast across parts of southern Thailand through at least Oct. 25. Heavy rain since late Oct. 15 has resulted in flooding in parts of Phuket Province. Authorities have declared disaster zones for Kathu, Muang, and Thalang districts. Floods and landslides caused disruptions to multiple roads in Phuket town, including primary roads. The Kathu-Patong Road is closed following damage due to floods and landslides; authorities estimate that it could take at least seven days after the rain ceases to temporarily repair the road. Authorities have advised travelers heading for Phuket International Airport (HKT) to leave several hours in advance. Authorities have constructed a temporary crossing over the Bang Niew Canal following damage to the bridge. Landslides damaged power poles in Tambon Kamala, Kathu District, cutting off power to the area. Nakhon Phuket Municipality has opened four shelters for flood victims. Authorities have warned residents along the Bang Yai Canal, in Nakhon Phuket and Ratsada sub-districts to take precautions due to the risk of flooding due to rising river levels.
As of Oct. 20, the Thai Meteorological Department has forecast continuous heavy to very heavy rainfall in the south through at least Oct. 25. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the current situation and hamper recovery and relief efforts.
Northern Mindanao – Philippines
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affected Northern Mindanao Region from 17 October 2022. The region’s Civil Defence reported 5 people died after the rain triggered a landslide which buried a house in Malitbog town, Bukidnon province.
Flooding was reported in in Tagoloan Municipality and Cagayan De Oro City in the province of Misamis Oriental, with as many as 11,712 people affected or displaced. Around 200 homes have been damaged and 50 destroyed.
Authorities said Neneng intensified into a Tropical Storm on 15 October 2022 while it accelerated westward over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon. On 16 October Neneng made landfall over Calayan Island, Cagayan, then intensified into a Typhoon as it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Disaster authorities reported 117 incidents of flooding in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), as a result of heavy rain from the storm. In total 181,185 people were affected by the storm across the regions of Ilocos (Region 1), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Over 3,500 people were evacuated, 279 houses damaged and 2 people injured.
Quang Binh Province – Vietnam
Tropical Storm Sonca made landfall in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, early 15 October and then tracked westward across the country as the storm dumped heavy rainfall.
According to figures from Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), in a 24 hour period to 15 October Khe Tre in Thua Thien Hue Province recorded 549 mm; Ta Long in Quang Tri Province 397 mm; A Bung in Quang Tri Province 340 mm; Suoi Da in Da Nang Province 301 mm; and Lam Thuy Quang Binh Province 286 mm.
Colombo District – Srilanka
Disaster authorities in Sri Lanka report that severe weather including heavy rain, strong winds and lightning strikes since 12 October 2022 has prompted evacuations and caused 3 fatalities. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology reported more than 125 mm of rain in 8 hours.
Authorities said Neneng intensified into a Tropical Storm on 15 October 2022 while it accelerated westward over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon. On 16 October Neneng made landfall over Calayan Island, Cagayan, then intensified into a Typhoon as it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Disaster authorities reported 117 incidents of flooding in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), as a result of heavy rain from the storm. In total 181,185 people were affected by the storm across the regions of Ilocos (Region 1), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Over 3,500 people were evacuated, 279 houses damaged and 2 people injured.
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