A series of powerful storms across the Indian Ocean has killed more than 1,600 people and caused an estimated $30 billion in damage from Indonesia to Sri Lanka. Indonesia has been hit by severe flooding and landslides, especially in Sumatra and Aceh, where entire villages were submerged and more than a million people forced to evacuate. Sri Lanka was devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered deadly landslides and destroyed thousands of homes, leaving many communities without electricity, water, or shelter.

Early assessments point to massive economic losses across the region, with destroyed infrastructure, ruined farmland, and widespread displacement. Sri Lanka’s recovery bill alone is expected to reach several billion dollars.

UN agencies say warmer ocean temperatures and shifting climate patterns intensified the storms. Rescue operations remain hampered by damaged roads, continued rainfall, and limited access to remote areas. International aid is arriving, but officials warn that long-term rebuilding will require sustained global support. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.