Heavy rain in Asia leaves over 1,100 dead

 

The death toll from torrential downpours that struck the western Indonesian island of Sumatra has climbed to more than 600. Indonesia is one of several Asian nations that have been battered by heavy rainfall since late last month. More than 1,100 people were killed in the region.

Indonesia's disaster management agency announced that, as of 5 p.m. on Monday, local time, 604 people had been confirmed dead and 464 others were missing.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inspected some disaster-hit areas, including North Sumatra province. He said the government will prioritize speedy deliveries of essential supplies, particularly fuel.

Some of the affected areas are still without power. The president said he expects power to be restored in those areas soon. He also said the situation is improving.

The severe weather, which began in late November, has left 170 dead in Thailand and 355 in Sri Lanka, bringing the total death toll in the three countries to 1,129.

nhk