A combination of rain, flooding and landslides has caused widespread devastation across Southeast Asia. The death toll in Indonesia and Thailand has already surpassed 300, with many people still missing.
The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been hit hardest, with 174 confirmed deaths there alone. The highest number of fatalities was reported in North Sumatra, where unidentified bodies are still being recovered and at least 42 people are missing. Parts of Aceh and West Sumatra have also been badly affected. Communications are cut off in some areas, with water levels reaching more than a meter, and rescue workers have yet to reach many areas.
Southern Thailand is also facing severe flooding. According to official figures, at least 145 people have died there, including 110 in Songkhla province. Although the water has receded somewhat, rescue efforts are still underway. New bodies have been recovered from submerged houses throughout the week, leading to the death toll rising steadily.
Power and communications systems in both countries have been severely damaged. Meteorologists say that while rain has eased in Thailand, there is still a risk of thunderstorms in some areas, while in Indonesia it will take time for the situation to return to normal.
People are being evacuated to safer places, and rescue workers are working day and night to search for the missing.