Pakistan voices support for Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand after floods kill over 600

• Heavy monsoon rain overwhelmed large swaths of Southeast Asia this week, leaving thousands stranded without shelter or critical supplies
• A tropical storm has exacerbated weather conditions and the tolls in Indonesia and Thailand rank among the highest in floods in recent years

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday voiced Islamabad’s support for Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand as the death toll from devastating floods and landslides across Southeast Asia topped 600.

Heavy monsoon rain overwhelmed large swathes of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia this week, leaving thousands of people stranded without shelter or critical supplies.

At least two areas of Indonesia’s worst-affected Sumatra island were still unreachable on Sunday, while authorities continued to deliver aid and clear the damage in Thailand.

Zardari conveyed condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, saying the tragedy, which has left many missing, has brought great distress to the people of Pakistan.

“Pakistan understands the pain and uncertainty caused by such disasters, as it continues to face climate driven catastrophes of its own,” he said in a statement

“Pakistan will stay closely engaged with regional partners and international organizations to explore practical ways of offering support within its means.”

The statement came as Indonesian and Thai authorities raced to clear debris and find hundreds of missing people.

The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rain, triggering landslides and flash floods. A tropical storm has exacerbated conditions, and the tolls in Indonesia and Thailand rank among the highest in floods in those countries in recent years.

Climate change has affected storm patterns, including the duration and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.

Pakistan itself has been reeling from this year’s monsoon floods that killed more than 1,000 people and affected around 3.6 million across the country.

“The scenes of submerged communities and families forced from their homes are a reminder of shared human vulnerability and the growing impact of extreme weather across the region,” Zardari said.

“Pakistan stands by the affected countries as they navigate this crisis.”