Floods still ravaged many parts of Cambodia. Torrential rains continued to hit Cambodia, triggering flash floods in 10 provinces as of 7 October 2024. More than 20,000 families were affected while around 30,000 hectares of farmlands were damaged or destroyed. The National Committee for Disaster Management closely monitored the situation. Likewise, torrential rains caused the Mekong and Bassac rivers to overflow their banks and submerged Russei Keo and Sen Sok districts of the capital, Phnom Penh as of 8 October 2024. Hundreds of families in the areas were affected. The authorities installed water pumps to reduce the level of floodwaters.

Sources: Khmer Times. (2024, Oct 7). Flash floods impact over 20,000 families and devastate rice fields; Khmer Times. (2024, Oct 8). Floods hits North Phnom Penh.

Flash floods and landslides in Malaysia forced people to evacuate. Flash floods and landslides, caused by heavy rains in Cameron Highlands district, Malasia's Pahang state, forced 31 people from five families to relocate to a temporary evacuation centre on 7 October 2024. As the result, the number of flood-affected people seeking shelter at relief centres in Selangor, Perak, Johor, and Kedah states since the massive floods in August 2024, has reportedly increased. Efforts to clean the roads and affected areas were still underway. The public was urged to stay vigilant and prepare for potential flooding influenced by the northeast monsoon in the fourth week of October 2024.

Sources: FMT. (2024, Oct 6). Heavy afternoon rain causes more to flee floods; The Star. (2024, Oct 8). 31 housed at relief centre following floods, landslides in Cameron Highlands; Bernama. (2024, Oct 8). Public Urged To Stay Vigilant As Northeast Monsoon Expected to Arrive Earlier Thia Year.

Natural hazards wreaked havoc the Philippines. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted Catanduanes province, the Philippine on 2 October 2024 at a depth of 38 kilometres. The tremor was also felt in many areas. However, no damage was reported. Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Julian brought scattered rains and thunderstorms to many parts of the country. As of 3 October 2024, about 2,659,288 learners in Cordillera and Ilocos regions, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol region were affected. Class suspension was announced in 8,200 public schools. There were 22 schools flooded while about 59 schools and offices were totally or partially damaged. Later, a minor phreatomagmatic eruption in Taal Volcano, Batangas province was recorded on 5 October 2024, resulting in a short black jetted plume followed by a  steam-rich plume that rose to 2,000 metres above the main crater. The volcanic earthquake activity and ground deformation were also detected. Local government units closely monitored and assessed the preparedness of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures.

Sources: Philippine News Agency. (2024, Oct 2). Magnitude 6.1 quake jolts Catanduanes; Philippine News Agency. (2024, Oct 3). ‘Julian’ still brings rains over parts of N. Luzon; Philippine News Agency. (2024, Oct 3). DepEd: ‘Julian’ affects almost 2.66M learners; Philippine News Agency. (2024, Oct 5). Phivolcs logs minor phreatomagmatic eruption in Taal Volcano.

Flooding remained in 19 provinces of Thailand. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Thailand reported as of 8 October 2024 that flooding persisted in 19 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Sukhothai, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, and Songkhla. A total of 1,556 villages in 65 districts were submerged while 66,202 families were affected. Between 16 August and 8 October 2024, flooding struck 44 provinces across the country, affecting 241,482 families. Meanwhile, 52 people died and 28 others were injured.

Sources: Bangkok Post. (2024, Oct 8). Flooding in 19 provinces.

Extensive floods and landslides continuously hit Viet Nam. Heavy rainfall since 28 - 29 September 2024 had severely impacted Ha Giang province in northern Viet Nam, triggering widespread floods and landslides. There were three dead, three missing and nine injured across Viet Vinh and Dong Tam communes. Moreover, at least 556 people and 139 houses were affected. Several roads were also blocked by landslides. Moderate rainfall was continually forecast over Viet Nam.

Sources: Viet Nam News. (2024, Oct 2). Vietnam - Floods and landslides (ADINet, NCHMF) (ECHO Daily Flash of 02 October 2024).

Thailand’s rice prices decrease due to baht fluctuation and India’s export ban. Prices of Thai 5 percent broken rice edged down 510-515 USD per tonne, its lowest since June 2023, from 550-560 USD per tonne last week due to fluctuations in baht and India lifting its export ban. Meanwhile, domestic prices remained stable with strong supply expected due to good water levels.Rice prices reached as lows as 500 USD earlier in the week because demand slowed, Bangkok based trader said.

Source: Reuters. (2024, Oct 4). Asia prices plunge as India eases export curbs.