Southeast Asia has recently endured one of the most severe natural disasters in its modern history, with three powerful cyclones making landfall within days of each other.

This unprecedented event has prompted many to compare its devastation to the 2004 Tsunami, which tragically impacted tens of thousands of the region’s most vulnerable people. The combined effect of these cyclones has resulted in numerous deaths, extensive flooding, flash floods, and catastrophic landslides across large parts of the region. It is important to note that these recent disasters have compounded the effects of several earlier cyclones, storms, and floods that have also struck within the past few months.

Impact in Sri Lanka

The latest reports from Sri Lanka highlight the grave situation facing the country. There have been over 330 confirmed deaths, with nearly 400 people still reported missing, and these numbers continue to rise. More than 1.3 million people across Sri Lanka have been affected by the disaster to date, and over 108,000 individuals have been displaced and are now seeking refuge in government shelters. The destruction has been widespread, with more than 20,000 homes destroyed. Additionally, over 200 roads have been blocked, and vital infrastructure such as railways and the power grid has sustained significant damage.

Donate to the South East Asia Cyclone appeal here

Regional Destruction Across Southeast Asia

Villagers checking the ruins of their homes in Malalak as monsoon rains continue to batter the region. (AP: Ade Yuandha)

According to BBC correspondents, similar levels of destruction have been observed in neighbouring countries. In Indonesia, the toll from cyclone Senyar and tropical cyclone Koto (which impacted the Philippines) has been especially devastating. Around 1,200 people have lost their lives in the past week due to flooding and landslides, and nearly 500 person’s remain missing. Thousands of others have suffered injuries. In Thailand, the official death toll has climbed to at least 176 people at the time of printing.

Donate to the South East Asia Cyclone appeal here

A resident from one of Indonesia’s most severely affected areas expressed the scale of the disaster, recounting,

“According to my grandmother, this is the worst, the worst in her life.”

The provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been particularly hard hit, leaving thousands of people isolated and without access to essential supplies.

Maysanti, a resident of Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra—one of the hardest-hit regions—shared her distress with the BBC, explaining that aid workers were struggling to reach her district. She said,

“Everything is gone; our food supplies are running out. We can't eat. Even instant noodles are being fought over now. Our food is gone; we need food and rice. Access to us is completely cut off”.

Donate to the South East Asia Cyclone appeal here

Urgent Recovery and Humanitarian Needs

The loss of agricultural land and livelihoods is expected to threaten food security for months, if not years. This crisis will have a particularly severe impact on smallholder farmers, plantation workers, and those living in informal settlements. The restoration of critical infrastructure—including roads, bridges, power, and water supply—is an urgent priority, as recovery in agriculture, local markets, and essential services will be slow without these foundations. Thousands of people who were already vulnerable before the disaster will need substantial support to rebuild their lives.

How You Can Help:

Christian World Service (CWS) works with trusted partners throughout the affected region including our global network of the ACT Alliance. We also recognise that many of our supporters have personal connections to these devastated areas and will wish to offer their financial assistance and prayers. As we call upon our supporters to respond with donations, CWS will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, we urge you to donate to help the thousands of Southeast Asia’s most vulnerable citizens whose lives have been disproportionately affected by this succession of once-in-a-lifetime cyclones.

Donate to the South East Asia Cyclone appeal here

Thank you.

The Board and staff of CWS