Asia: Floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia kill more than 1,400

An investigation has revealed that Israel conducted 248 strikes using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon between October 2023 and November 2024, raising serious concerns about the substance's long-term impact on health, agriculture, and the environment, according to researcher Ahmad Baydoun.

Malaysia's transport ministry announced that the search for the long-missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on December 30, focusing on an area in the Indian Ocean deemed to have the highest probability of locating the aircraft. The Boeing 777 vanished in March 2014 with 239 people on board.

Haiti's transitional authorities have announced a significant electoral timetable, setting the date for the country's first general elections in nearly a decade for August 2026. This decision comes amid ongoing challenges, including severe gang violence that poses a threat to the electoral process.

Severe flooding in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by Cyclone Ditwah, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with community kitchens and fishing boats mobilizing to deliver food and relief supplies to affected areas. The cyclone has resulted in significant loss of life, with the death toll nearing 200 and many individuals reported missing.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by Jared Kushner, has returned to the Kremlin to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine after a week of intense negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. This follows productive talks held in Florida with Ukrainian officials, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic efforts.

Severe flooding and landslides across Asia, particularly in Indonesia, have resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and forced approximately one million people to evacuate their homes. The relentless monsoon rains and cyclones have devastated infrastructure and left many families stranded, highlighting the increasing lethality of such natural disasters exacerbated by global heating.

Sri Lanka is grappling with severe flooding and mudslides following Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in a rising death toll nearing 200 and significant destruction in Colombo and surrounding areas. Asiri, a resident on the outskirts of the capital, is among many trying to salvage their homes amidst this humanitarian crisis.

The Sri Lanka Air Force has initiated airlift operations to deliver essential supplies to communities severely impacted by extensive flooding and mudslides. This response comes as many areas remain isolated due to the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has led to significant loss of life and property.