WEEKLY DISASTER UPDATE 11 – 17 May 2026

REGIONAL SUMMARY:

During the twentieth week of 2026, a total of 38 disaster events were reported across the ASEAN region, including floods, landslides, storms, and wind-related disasters in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. In Indonesia, Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) reported disaster events across Banten, Gorontalo, Jambi, West Java, Central Java, East Java, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Riau, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. In Malaysia, Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA) reported flooding in Johor and Kedah. In the Philippines, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported flooding in South Cotabato (Region XII). Meanwhile, in Thailand, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported flooding, storms, and wind-related disasters in Maha Sarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, Lampang, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, and Singburi. In Timor-Leste, Civil Protection Authority (CPA) reported flooding situations in Manufahi. Lastly, in Viet Nam, Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) reported storms, winds, flooding, and landslides in Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Dak Lak, Quang Tri, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai.

HIGHLIGHT:

In Indonesia, flooding and landslides occurred in Bungo (Jambi) following continuous heavy rainfall from 12 to 13 May, affecting 11 sub-districts, 21 villages, and 5 urban wards. According to BNPB, as of 17 May 2026, the disaster caused two fatalities and one injury, while approximately 6K families (24.4K people) were affected. Around 5.6K houses, four educational facilities, two places of worship, 214 hectares of rice fields, and several road access points were also impacted. Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams and relevant authorities conducted evacuations, debris clearance, and monitoring activities, while emergency response measures remained ongoing under a 14-day emergency status from 15 to 28 May 2026. Immediate needs included evacuation boats, food, clean water, medicines, and logistical support for affected communities.

In Viet Nam, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds were reported from 15–17 May over Cao Bang, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Dak Lak. According to VDDMA, the disasters caused one injury, one collapsed house, damage to 27 houses, and flooding in several areas. Around 419.6 hectares of crops were affected, while landslides disrupted several roads sections. Additional impacts included two sunken boats, damaged electricity infrastructure, and one vehicle damaged by floodwaters. Estimated losses reached approximately VND 10.2 billion (around USD 390K). Meanwhile, VDDMA also reported lightning incidents in Quang Tri, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai from 13–14 May, resulting in four fatalities and one injury. Relevant authorities mobilised response teams, restored transport access, installed warning signs, and continued damage assessments and relief operations.

HYDRO-METEO-CLIMATOLOGICAL:

For the past week, data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) indicated medium to high seven-day average rainfall across the eleven ASEAN Member States. During the reporting period, two tropical disturbances, namely INVEST 98W over the western Pacific Ocean and 70U over the Indian Ocean, were monitored. As of this reporting period, both INVEST 98W and 70U are not expected to directly affect weather conditions in the ASEAN Member States (JTWC, ECMWF).