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More than 800 people were missing on Monday after devastating floods killed more than 1,000 last week in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as Indonesia's president called for more action to combat climate change.
Floods and landslides have killed at least 604 people in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka and 176 in Thailand, authorities said.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto promised to restore infrastructure during a visit to the affected areas. Some areas remained inaccessible, with roads damaged and communication lines cut off. Residents relied on planes to deliver supplies.
At least 464 people are missing in Indonesia. The floods displaced 290,700 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
“We need to effectively address climate change,” Prabowo told reporters. “Local governments have an important role to play in protecting the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise as a result of future climate change.”
Sri Lankan authorities said rescuers were searching for 367 missing people. About 218,000 more people were in temporary shelters after being hit by downpours that triggered landslides, mostly in the tea-growing country's central hills.
In Thailand, the first compensation payments were due on Monday, starting at 239 million baht ($10.9 million Canadian) for 26,000 people, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said.
More than 1,000 people have died as massive floods and landslides hit three Asian countries, leaving hundreds more missing.
He said authorities were working to restore infrastructure, including water and electricity, in the south, where severe flooding had affected 3.9 million people.
Prabowo, who visited North Sumatra on Monday and was due to visit West Sumatra and Aceh during the day, said the government's response was reaching those who needed it.
“We need to effectively confront climate change,” Prabowo told reporters after visiting survivors. “Local governments have an important role to play in protecting the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise as a result of future climate change.”
