Flood Resilience Concerns for Upcoming Year Amid Past Disasters

Flooding worldwide: A Growing Concern

In 2025, multiple regions experienced devastating floods, affecting Southeast Asia, North America, and the Middle East. According to Pawan Bhattarai, assistant professor at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, flooding became the year’s foremost climate hazard.

Heavy downpours and freezing temperatures have been reported in Gaza, where nearly 2 million people have been displaced due to Israeli bombardment. The Gaza Strip has faced multiple weather systems carrying heavy rain and strong winds, displacing residents who live in tents amidst rubble from destroyed homes.

In Morocco, a nationwide emergency relief operation was launched after severe flooding caused flash floods that killed at least 37 people and damaged about 70 homes and shops. Prosecutors are investigating whether infrastructure shortcomings played a role in the disaster.

Flooding also affected Indonesia, killing at least 961 people in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The floods destroyed homes, rice fields, dams, and bridges, leaving many areas inaccessible.

In Thailand, flooding killed at least 276 people across eight provinces in the central plains, south, and north. In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah caused heavy downpours that destroyed four houses and damaged over 600, blocking multiple roads and railway lines.

These floods highlight the need for governments to take action to prevent further devastation. Experts are calling for increased investment in infrastructure and climate resilience measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

Source: Al Jazeera