Compiled by Tzu Chi Monthly editorial staff
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
As the Level 5 blaze at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex shocked the world, several Asian countries were simultaneously being battered by severe flooding. Southern Thailand was deluged by rainfall unseen in centuries; in Indonesia, the rare Tropical Cyclone Senyar intensified seasonal monsoon rains, impacting millions; meanwhile, the destructive Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka…
Hong Kong．Wang Fuk Court Fire
- Disaster: A fire broke out shortly before 3 p.m. on November 26 and escalated within a few hours to a Level 5 blaze—the highest category.
- Deaths: 161
- Impact: Over 1,900 households; seven buildings damaged
- Tzu Chi Response: Emergency financial assistance distributed to more than 1,800 households; free medical services offered by the Tzu Chi Great Love Chinese Medicine Clinic
Thailand．Southern Flooding
- Disaster: Continuous torrential rain triggered severe flooding in southern Thailand beginning November 26.
- Deaths: 181
- Impact: Over three million people across ten provinces
- Tzu Chi Response: Distribution of medicines, daily essentials, and cleaning supplies to 3,000 households
Sri Lanka．Cyclone Ditwah Flooding
- Disaster: Monsoon rains, compounded by Cyclone Ditwah in late November, caused the country’s worst flooding since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
- Deaths: 643
- Impact: 1.7 million people; over 100,000 homes damaged
- Tzu Chi Response: Provision of hot meals and relief supplies; assistance with cleanup efforts
Indonesia．Sumatra Flood Disaster
- Disaster: Extreme rainfall, intensified by Cyclone Senyar in late November, triggered deadly flash floods and landslides across three northern Sumatran provinces.
- Deaths: 1,090
- Impact: 3.3 million people; 186 missing; 7,000 injured; more than 510,000 evacuated
- Tzu Chi Response: Establishment of communal kitchens and shelters; distribution of hot meals and relief supplies; free medical services; reconstruction of permanent housing
