Tragedy has struck in Southeast Asia.
The region is grappling with catastrophic weather conditions. Storms have wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities, hundreds missing, and millions evacuated from inundated territories.
The U.S. State Department has issued no Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for these countries. All three currently remain at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. However, local embassies have provided advisories due to the severe weather that has affected the area. Travelers should stay informed and check local updates before making any plans.
Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah severely impacted Sri Lanka last week, leading to the worst natural calamity in the country’s history. More than half of the nation has been affected, with confirmed deaths exceeding 400, and hundreds unaccounted for. Floods and landslides have destroyed homes and submerged neighborhoods, including the capital, Colombo. Military forces are assisting in rescue operations, and a state of emergency has been declared, leaving a third of the country without power.
On November 28, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a warning regarding Cyclone Ditwah, emphasizing the need for caution and advising against non-essential travel while closely monitoring local weather updates. They also recommended keeping emergency supplies readily available.
Flight operations faced significant disruptions last week as India helped rescue trapped residents from Colombo’s airport, which has resumed operations. Flooding had rendered access routes impassable, but many are now clear, according to an update on Facebook.
If your trip is planned, double-check that your destination is not in affected areas, which are still in emergency operations. Many individuals are missing, and local infrastructures may not be prepared for tourists. The U.K. Foreign Office stated that travel has been significantly disrupted by the cyclone and urged travelers to “Check with your airline and/or tour operator for updates on how this may affect your travels.”
Thailand
Southern Thailand has faced relentless downpours, resulting in 176 deaths and affecting nearly three million people. Hat Yai, in Songkhla province, is the most critically impacted area. Ten tourists were rescued from this province; although water levels have decreased considerably, recovery efforts are ongoing.
Flights from Phuket and Bangkok are running on schedule, but caution is advised, as many areas may still be unpassable due to residual water or mud. Travelers should be careful during this recovery period.
On November 25, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand advised that its capacity to provide emergency services is limited in flood-affected areas like Hat Yai, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala. They urged individuals to steer clear of those regions and heed local authority instructions. The Canadian government suggested that individuals in Hat Yai head to evacuation centers as it has been declared a disaster zone with ongoing evacuation orders.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been giving updates. As of December 1, most locations are functioning normally, though some ground transfers face limited disruptions. Hat Yai airport is operational with few cancellations, and airport transfers are available. In Satun, certain roads remain unreachable and attractions closed due to flood damage. Tourist sites, including national parks and sanctuaries in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, are still shut.
Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, and Surat Thani are fully accessible, but ferry schedules might differ.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar struck three provinces (Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra) last week, causing devastating floods. The death toll has exceeded 700, with rescue workers still attempting to access areas isolated by flooding, leaving more than 500 individuals missing. Roughly one million have been forced to evacuate from high-risk regions, compounding challenges in acquiring essential resources such as clean water and food.
Authorities have confirmed that Bali remains safe for visitors. However, travelers should remain vigilant regarding local updates for potential flooding and landslides and avoid any areas affected by the disaster.
The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia issued a warning about the cyclone on November 28, advising against travel and activities in affected zones.
