More than 1,200 people have died.
The region of Southeast Asia is reeling from extreme weather events. Multiple storms have devastated parts of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. More than 1,200 people have died, hundreds are missing, and millions have been evacuated from flood-hit areas.
The U.S. State Department has not issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for any of the countries—all three remain at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. However, regional embassies and consulates have offered advisories due to the extreme weather events that have recently impacted the region. Closely monitor the situation and check local updates before making travel plans.
Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah inundated Sri Lanka last week, marking the worst natural disaster on record for the country. More than half the nation has been affected, with the death toll climbing above 400 and hundreds missing. Floods and landslides have flattened homes, and many neighborhoods are currently underwater, including the capital, Colombo. The military is assisting with rescue efforts, and the government has declared a state of emergency. In the aftermath, a third of the country is without electricity.
On November 28, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a weather alert to warn personnel about Cyclone Ditwah, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. The alert stated: “Exercise caution, limit non-essential travel, and closely monitor local weather updates.” It also urged people to avoid travel to affected areas and keep emergency supplies on hand.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Flights were disrupted last week. On Sunday, India rescued stranded residents from Colombo’s airport, which is now operational. Flooding had made roads to the airport impassable, but many are open again, according to an airport update on Facebook.
If you have a trip planned, ensure you are not traveling to affected areas, which are still undergoing rescue operations. Many people remain missing, and cities may not be ready for tourists. The U.K. Foreign Office stated that travel in many areas has been disrupted due to the cyclone and advised, “Check before traveling, including with your airline and/or tour operator, to understand how this might affect your travels.”
Thailand
In the southern provinces of Thailand, torrential rains killed 176 people and impacted almost three million. The worst-affected area is the city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province. Ten tourists were rescued from this province, and while water levels have receded significantly, recovery continues.
Flights from Phuket and Bangkok are operating as scheduled, but some areas may remain impassable due to water or mud. Travelers should take precautions as recovery is underway.
On November 25, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand warned that it has limited ability to offer emergency services in areas affected by the floods (Hat Yai, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala). It asked people to avoid affected areas and follow instructions from local authorities. Canada advised its citizens to go to an evacuation center if they are in Hat Yai, confirming that it was declared a disaster zone and that evacuation orders are in place.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been providing updates. As of December 1, most destinations are operating normally with limited disruption to ground transfers. Hat Yai airport is open, with only a few cancellations, and airport transfers are available. In Satun, some roads are not passable and attractions are closed due to flood damage. In Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, tourist attractions, including national parks and sanctuaries, remain closed.
Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, and Surat Thani are fully accessible, though ferries may have altered schedules.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar hit three provinces (Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra) last week, resulting in severe flooding. The death toll has surpassed 700, and rescue workers are still trying to reach areas cut off by floods, as more than 500 people remain missing. About a million have been evacuated from high-risk areas, and people are struggling for basic necessities like clean water and food.
Authorities have stated that Bali remains safe for tourists. However, visitors should monitor local updates for potential flooding and landslides, and avoid disaster-affected areas.
The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia issued a warning about the cyclone on November 28 and advised travelers to avoid travel and activities in affected areas.
