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

A man carrying a cooking gas cylinder wades through the floodwaters following flash floods in Meureudu, Pidie Jaya district of Indonesia's Aceh province on November 28, 2025. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 30 November 2025
Follow

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.”


Pakistan to face New Zealand today in T20 World Cup Super Eight encounter in Colombo

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan to face New Zealand today in T20 World Cup Super Eight encounter in Colombo

  • The second phase of the T20 tournament kicks off without former champions AustraliaThe second phase of the T20 tournament kicks off without former champions Australia
  • Zimbabwe, who did not qualify in 2024, top Group B with a stunning unbeaten campaign

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on New Zealand in their T20 World Cup Super Eight stage clash in Colombo on Saturday, with both sides looking to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockouts.

The second phase of the T20 tournament kicks off without former champions Australia, who shockingly failed to make it out of their group. Instead, Zimbabwe, who did not even qualify in 2024, topped Group B after a stunning unbeaten campaign where they not only beat Australia but also co-hosts Sri Lanka.

Babar Azam was dropped for Pakistan’s final T20 World Cup group game against Namibia for scoring too slowly, head coach Mike Hesson said on Friday. Pakistan racked up 199-3 and secured a place in the Super Eights by 102 runs.

The match is scheduled to start at 6:30pm Pakistan time.

“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.

Pakistan left out Azam for the same reason at last year’s Asia Cup and even after dismal showing in the Big Bash League, he was still selected for the T20 World Cup.

“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup... We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role toward the end,” Hesson said.

“Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that...He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently.”

Hesson also defended dropping pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi after he conceded 101 runs in three matches, including 31 in two overs against India.

“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” he said. “To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”