Indonesia Joins Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam as Southeast Asia Faces Horrible Floods and Landslides, Wrecking Lives, Destroying Roads, and Brutally Impacting Travel Across the Region

Published on December 6, 2025

Southeast Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving tourism industry, is currently battling one of the most devastating floods and landslides in recent history. Since late November 2025, tropical storms, particularly Cyclone Senyar and Cyclone Ditwah, have triggered extreme flooding and landslides, leaving a catastrophic impact on Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These floods, compounded by monsoon rains, have led to the displacement of millions, and severe damage to infrastructure. The tourism industry, which has long depended on these countries’ natural wonders, faces unprecedented disruption.

Indonesia (Sumatra): A Land of Natural Wonders in Crisis

What Happened in Sumatra

Indonesia’s Sumatra island bore the brunt of the recent disaster. Cyclone Senyar, coupled with persistent monsoon rains, created a perfect storm, triggering severe flooding and deadly landslides. As of the most recent updates, approximately 837 deaths have been recorded. The storm also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture, with more than 1.5 million people affected and over 570,000 displaced. Over 464 people remain missing across the island. The total economic damage from the floods is estimated to be nearly IDR 68.6 trillion (~USD 4.1 billion).

The disaster has had a profound impact on the island’s infrastructure. Key roads, bridges, and power lines have been completely destroyed or severely damaged, including major transport routes like the Tarutung–Sibolga road. Many remote areas remain inaccessible, complicating relief efforts. Rescue teams have been deployed to isolated communities using helicopters and boats. However, the recovery efforts are expected to take months, if not years.

The Impact on Sumatra’s Natural Beauty and Tourism

Sumatra’s tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and wildlife-rich jungles are its biggest draws for tourists. The island is known for its stunning biodiversity, including the Sumatran tiger and orangutans, which inhabit its forests. However, the recent floods have decimated much of the island’s natural beauty. Landslides have wiped out entire villages and forest ecosystems, leaving behind massive mudslides. The dense forests that once served as both natural sanctuaries for wildlife and eco-tourism destinations are now stripped bare.

Additionally, several of Sumatra’s iconic tourist spots — such as Bukit Lawang (home to orangutan sanctuaries) and Lake Toba — are currently inaccessible due to road damage. These regions, known for eco‑tourism, trekking, and wildlife tours, are integral to Indonesia’s tourism sector, and the ongoing disruption will have a lasting effect on the industry.

Travel Impact: The Long Road to Recovery

Travelers should expect significant disruptions in Sumatra, particularly in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Flights to and from these regions are either canceled or delayed due to damage at airports, such as the Minangkabau International Airport in Padang. Ferries and local transport services are also severely impacted.

In the immediate future, tourists are advised to avoid Sumatra until further notice. Areas like Bali and Lombok, which were not affected by the floods, remain open and accessible, but travel to other parts of Indonesia remains unpredictable. Eco-tourism in Sumatra is effectively halted, and travelers who had booked tours to trekking sites, wildlife sanctuaries, or local villages are being asked to rebook or cancel.

Sri Lanka: The Ravages of Cyclone Ditwah — A Nation’s Struggle

Loss of Life and Destruction

Sri Lanka, which has long been a favorite for beach lovers and cultural enthusiasts, has been devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28, 2025. The cyclone brought torrential rains and triggered severe flooding and landslides. As of 486 deaths have been reported, with approximately 345 people still missing. Over 1.4 million people have been affected by the disaster, and over 233,000 people have been displaced into temporary shelters. The country’s infrastructure — including homes, roads, and bridges — has been extensively damaged. More than 565 homes have been completely destroyed, with an additional 20,271 homes partially damaged. Preliminary economic losses are estimated between USD 6-7 billion, representing approximately 3-5% of Sri Lanka’s GDP.

Ecological Damage and Landscape Destruction

Sri Lanka’s natural beauty has suffered immensely. The floods submerged the country’s iconic tea plantations in the central highlands, damaging agricultural lands that are vital to the local economy. Coastal areas, including some of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach resorts like Mirissa and Unawatuna, have been heavily flooded.

The destruction of Yala National Park and other wildlife sanctuaries is a particular concern. Large sections of Sri Lanka’s forested areas have been washed away, jeopardizing the habitats of several endemic species, including elephants and leopards. Landslides in the central highlands have destabilized large areas of land, leaving them prone to future landslides and making them unsafe for visitors.

Travel Impact: Short-Term and Long-Term Outlook

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry faces immense challenges. Major tourist attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress are now inaccessible due to flood damage and landslides. Hotels in affected regions are either closed or being repurposed as shelters for displaced families.

While the southern beach resorts may eventually reopen, travelers are urged to avoid areas still under flood warnings. The government has issued advisories recommending tourists to refrain from non-essential travel to rural and highland zones until the situation stabilizes. Sri Lanka has called for international assistance, with multiple countries including India, Australia, and Japan providing emergency aid.

Thailand: A Tourist Hub in Crisis

What We Know: Disruption in the South

Thailand, another top tourism destination in Southeast Asia, has also faced significant damage from flooding and landslides, particularly in the southern provinces. Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Senyar and the monsoon rains resulted in at around 185 deaths as of late November to early December 2025, with over 3.6 million people affected across 12 southern provinces. However, local sources and rescue workers have reported significantly higher death tolls in Songkhla province alone, with estimates ranging from 550-1,000 deaths. The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province was especially impacted, experiencing a historic 335-370 mm of rainfall in a single day (equivalent to a 300-year return period). Major infrastructure has been destroyed, including ferries and airports, and towns have been completely cut off due to flooding and road damage. Economic damage is estimated at 100 billion baht (USD 3.11 billion).

Environmental Impact: Thailand’s Beaches and Coastal Ecosystems at Risk

The floods have had a severe impact on Thailand’s beaches, islands, and coastal ecosystems. The country’s natural beauty — including its famed mangrove forests, beaches, and islands like Koh Samui and Phi Phi — has been severely affected. Floodwaters have eroded beaches, and the mangrove ecosystems, which serve as buffers against coastal erosion, have been damaged or washed away.

Additionally, Thailand’s inland wildlife reserves and trekking zones have been impacted by landslides, destroying fragile environments and increasing the difficulty of travel to remote national parks.

Travel Impact: Stranded Tourists and Resort Shutdowns

The immediate impact on tourism in southern Thailand has been profound. Resorts, beaches, and islands have been forced to shut down or evacuate guests due to safety concerns and infrastructure damage. Ferry services to many islands have been suspended, leaving thousands of tourists stranded. The government and local tourism bodies are working to restore services, but it will take time. Save the Children estimates 76,000 children are unable to return to school.

For tourists planning to visit southern Thailand, it is recommended to reschedule plans for the coming months or consider alternative destinations within Thailand that remain safe, such as the northern cities of Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

Malaysia: Floods and Travel Disruptions in Coastal Zones

What We Know: Flooding in Peninsular Malaysia

Although Malaysia has not been as severely impacted as its neighbours, the northern regions of the country — particularly in Kelantan and Perlis — have experienced flooding due to the same storm systems. Over 36,000 people were affected, and 3 deaths have been confirmed. Several roads, bridges, and local infrastructure have been affected.

Impact on Ecosystems and Tourism

Coastal areas, including popular tourist spots like Langkawi and Penang, have seen moderate disruptions. The floodwaters have submerged agricultural fields, mangroves, and low-lying ecosystems that are central to Malaysia’s eco-tourism appeal. However, unlike its neighbours, Malaysia’s travel sector has not seen the complete shutdown of major destinations.

Travel Impact and Recovery Outlook

Langkawi, Penang, and the capital, Kuala Lumpur, have largely escaped the worst impacts. However, flooding and disrupted transport routes have caused localized delays. Domestic tourists in affected regions are encouraged to shift to unaffected zones. The northeastern state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, has been the worst hit with civil defence teams deployed with rescue equipment.

Vietnam: Multiple Flood Events Throughout 2025

The Scale of Vietnam’s Disaster

Vietnam has experienced a devastating year of natural disasters throughout 2025, with multiple flood events striking different regions. At around 409 people dead or missing and 727 injured from various weather-related catastrophes affecting the nation. More than 337,000 homes have been either collapsed, swept away, or damaged. Economic losses have reached an estimated USD 3.2 billion for the entire year.

In late November 2025, severe flooding struck south and central Vietnam, with approximately 90-102 deaths reported in just over a week. The mountainous central province of Dak Lak was hit hardest, with at least 63 deaths recorded there alone. The flooding came after earlier disasters in October and early November, including impacts from Typhoon Kalmaegi and record rainfall in tourist cities like Hue and Hoi An.

Environmental and Agricultural Devastation

The floods have been catastrophic for Vietnam’s agriculture and tourism sectors. Over 553,417 hectares of rice and crops have been inundated, and nearly 377,000 hectares of plantations affected. In the November floods alone, more than 80,000 hectares of rice and crops were damaged, with 3.2 million livestock or poultry dead or washed away.

Popular tourist destinations have been severely impacted. In late October, Hoi An and Hue experienced record rainfall exceeding 1,000mm in 24 hours, with entire city blocks submerged. The coastal city of Nha Trang and the coffee-producing region around Da Lat also faced severe flooding. Two suspension bridges were washed away, leaving many communities isolated.

Travel Impact and Infrastructure Damage

The floods left over 200,000 homes submerged, with 1.1 million households and businesses without power. More than 52,000 houses were flooded during the November event alone, and nearly 62,000 people were evacuated. Major roads remain blocked due to landslides.

For travelers, Vietnam’s central region — home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and popular beaches — has faced unprecedented disruption. While floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, the Vietnamese National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned of continued rainfall and potential for additional storms. The government has deployed tens of thousands of personnel and used helicopters to deliver aid to cut-off communities.

Tourists planning to visit Vietnam should closely monitor weather forecasts and avoid the central provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Khanh Hoa until conditions stabilize. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi) and southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) have been less affected and remain more accessible.

What Travelers Should Do: Safety First, Flexibility Essential

For travellers planning to visit Southeast Asia in the coming weeks or months, here are essential tips:

1. Check Updated Travel Advisories: Government and international disaster‑management agencies will provide the most accurate, up‑to‑date travel advisories.
2. Opt for Safer Regions: If you’re planning travel to any of the affected countries, prioritize destinations that have not been impacted by the floods. Inland destinations or northern regions may be safer options.
3. Flexibility is Key: Expect cancellations or delays. Make sure to book flexible travel options, and consider travel insurance that covers natural disasters and trip cancellations.
4. Support Local Recovery Efforts: When tourism resumes, consider visiting areas where your presence can aid recovery. Eco‑tourism, community‑led projects, and sustainable hotels will be key to rebuilding local economies.
5. Stay Informed and Plan for Contingencies: With ongoing aftereffects in many regions, it is important to remain flexible and prepared for unexpected changes to your itinerary.
6. Contact Emergency Services: If traveling in affected areas, keep emergency hotlines accessible.

Southeast Asia’s Resilience and the Road to Recovery

The 2025 floods across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have left an indelible mark on the region. Over 1,250 lives have been lost across these countries, millions of people displaced, and landscapes permanently changed. However, the resilience of Southeast Asia’s people, combined with global support, will surely foster recovery over time.

International assistance has been mobilized, with India providing emergency aid to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, and countries like Australia, Japan, and others contributing relief supplies and expertise. Technology companies like Starlink have provided free satellite internet to affected areas in Sumatra and Sri Lanka.

For now, travelers should stay informed, avoid disaster‑affected areas, and wait for recovery before venturing into the hardest-hit zones. Sustainable travel will become more important than ever, and future visits will need to prioritize rebuilding and supporting local communities. The natural wonders of Southeast Asia will return — and, in many places, tourism will play a key role in helping it recover.

If you’re planning travel, keep safety at the forefront, but also recognize the opportunity to support the region’s renewal, making a positive difference in these resilient, beautiful nations.