At the end of November and start of December, heavier than usual monsoon rains caused widespread flooding and destruction across the southeast Asian nations of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Hundreds of people have died. Buildings and critical infrastructure have been wiped out, and people have been evacuated from their homes in the worst-hit regions.
The flooding is being labelled the worst devastation to Sri Lanka since the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, while the country’s president has called it “the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history”. A state of emergency has been declared.
Southeast Asia is a popular winter sun hotspot — here’s what to know if you’re travelling soon.
Flood damage in Sri Lanka’s Kandy District on December 1
REUTERS
Which countries in southeast Asia have been affected by flooding?
The worst of it is in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The rainy season in this part of the world typically runs from May to October, although extreme weather means the season is becoming more unpredictable.
In Thailand, the flooding is focused on the south of the country. It has affected 12 provinces, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Pattani and Yala. Flights to Bangkok and the holiday island of Phuket are operating normally.
Banana beach in Phuket
GETTY IMAGES
In Sri Lanka, large parts of the country have been affected, with some of the worst flooding, caused by cyclone Ditwah, around the capital Colombo. Roads are blocked and there have been landslides. The UN says: “The hardest-hit districts include Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam and Mannar, as well as Trincomalee and Batticaloa, while deadly landslides in the central hill country have devastated Kandy, Badulla and Matale.”
In Indonesia, the westernmost island Sumatra has borne the brunt of the floods. It is the deadliest natural disaster since a 2018 earthquake and a subsequent tsunami, and about a million people have been displaced from their homes.
• Discover our full guide to Sri Lanka
• Read our full guide to Thailand
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of flooding?
If your trip is to an unaffected area in Thailand, Indonesia or Sri Lanka, then unfortunately not. The UK Foreign Office hasn’t advised against travel to either country, and any cancellation will be classed as “disinclination to travel” and ordinarily no refund will be due.
However, if your holiday can’t go ahead because of flood damage — affecting your accommodation, for instance — and you booked a package with a travel agent or operator, then it’s a different story. The UK’s Package Travel Regulations are clear that a replacement holiday must be found or a full refund is due. If you booked independently, then you can appeal directly to the accommodation platform — or turn to travel insurance, if relevant (see below).
In any case, it’s best to check with your hotel or tour operator to see what the situation is on the ground. They will be able to guide you as to the best options.
Tangalle beach in Sri Lanka
GETTY IMAGES
Is it safe to travel to Thailand?
Yes, in the main. The UK Foreign Office has not updated its safety advice for Thailand, and only the southern provinces are affected.
What about Sri Lanka?
While the Foreign Office has stopped short of advising against travel to the country, it has added a generic message to its Sri Lanka advice page warning about disrupted travel due to the effects of cyclone Ditwah. It advises: “Check before travelling, including with your airline and/or tour operator, to understand how this might affect your travels.”
Am I covered by my travel insurance?
It depends on a few factors. Firstly, you must have purchased your policy before the flooding. Secondly, you must have natural disaster cover within the policy — do a control+F search on your document for “natural disaster” to see what’s included. Coverage can vary widely, so check the specific terms and conditions.
• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
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