WHO Highlights Severe Floods In Several Asian Countries, Including Indonesia

Photos of air damage to residents' houses after being hit by flash floods in Kota Lintang Village, Kuala Simpang City, Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh, Wednesday (3/12/2025). (ANTARA/Syifa Yulinnas/bar)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the severe flood disasters that hit several countries in Asia, including Indonesia. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that his party continues to establish intensive communication with the government and health partners in the affected areas to ensure that assistance can be provided quickly and on target.

In a recent statement via his X or Twitter account, Dr. Tedros said WHO had carried out in-depth coordination with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. These countries face a large flood that is described as one of the most extreme events in history.

"We are coordinating closely with partners in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia to ensure the necessary support is available for responses to large floods due to the #Ditwah cyclone," said Dr. Tedros.

WHO is now assigning a rapid response team to countries asking for help. In addition, this organization strengthens the disease control system to prevent an outbreak and ensures essential health services continue to run in areas severely affected.

"A quick response team is being deployed to areas in need, disease supervision is strengthened, and we continue to ensure support for essential health services for affected communities," he added.

Dr. Tedros also expressed his deep sorrow for the casualties and extensive damage caused by floods and landslides in various Asian countries.

"We extend our deepest condolences to citizens and countries who have lost loved ones or were affected by this disaster," said Dr. Tedros.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health reported that residents affected by flash floods and landslides in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra began to experience various health problems.

West Sumatra recorded the highest number of complaints of fever compared to other provinces affected. In the period 25, November 29, 2025, there were 376 reports of fever from five regions: Pasaman, West Pasaman, Agam, Pesisir Selatan, and Tanah Datar.

Other health complaints commonly found include 201 cases of muscle aches, 120 cases of itching, 118 digestive disorders, 116 respiratory tract infections, 77 hypertension cases, 62 injuries, 46 headaches, and 40 cases of diarrhea and asthma each.

In North Sumatra, similar patterns are seen. South Tapanuli Regency reported 277 cases of fever, 151 cases of muscle aches, 150 complaints of itchy skin, 94 digestive disorders, 96 respiratory infections, 75 hypertension, 45 injuries, 23 headaches, 23 diarrhea, and 3 cases of asthma in the period 25 November 1 December 2025.

Meanwhile, Aceh shows a different trend. In Pidie Jaya Regency, during November 25, 2025, the most complaints were 35 cases of injuries, followed by 15 respiratory infections and 6 cases of diarrhea.