Flash floods and landslides in Lao PDR were anticipated ahead of Tropical Storm Fengshen.   According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR on 20 October 2025, Tropical Storm Fengshen was expected to bring light to moderate thunderstorms across the country, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds from 23 to 24 October 2025. Residents were urged to remain cautious due to the potential risk of flash floods and landslides caused by widespread heavy rain.

Source: Xinhua. (2025, Oct 20). Laos on alert for tropical storm Fengshen.

Indonesia faced volcanic eruption and earthquake within two consecutive days.  Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, erupted twice on 15 October 2025, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers high during the first eruption, and up to 8 kilometers during the second. The alert was raised to the highest level.  Residents near the volcano were evacuated due to concerns about potential volcanic mudflows if heavy rain occurred. The following day, on 16 October 2025, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Papua province in Indonesia. However, no tsunami warning was issued. 

Source: Bangkok Post. (2025, Oct 15).  Indonesian Volcano Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts again; Reuters. (2025, Oct 16).  Earthquake of magnitude 6.7 strikes Papua, Indonesia, USGS says.

The Rice Department discusses measures to prevent a fall in paddy price. The Rice Department has invited representatives from relevant government agencies and the private sector to discuss measures to prevent a decline in paddy rice prices during the 2025/26 harvest season and to maintain stable rice prices. According to the Rice Department, farmers across Thailand are expected to begin harvesting their crops from October to November 2025. Most rice fields have produced good yields this year, with minimal damage from natural disasters. As a result, the release of large quantities of paddy rice onto the market could depress paddy rice prices.

Source: Nation Thailand. (2025, October 19). Rice Department to discuss measures to prevent fall in paddy prices for new harvest.

Japanese rice farmers plan to expand their rice field areas. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) survey showed that on Friday, 29 percent of Japanese rice farmers plan to expand their planting area for the 2026 harvest. Japan’s rice prices stay near record highs following a surge in 2024, despite government stockpile releases to control rice prices. Meanwhile, the online survey of 8,095 farmers, conducted by the MAFF from June to August, found that about 56 percent of rice farmers will maintain current acreage in 2026. Regarding production plans for the next five years, 11 percent expect to reduce or stop production, mainly due to a lack of successors.

Source: Japan Today. (2025, October 18). 29% of Japan's rice farms to raise crop acreage amid price surge: survey.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) is considering a review of the appropriate level for the government's rice stockpiling. Due to the domestic rice demand having fallen 20 percent since 2001, set at about 1 million tons, when the current stockpiling level, MAFF plans to discuss the potential reduction of the government rice stockpile and expedite rice release for emergency response by subsidizing private storage costs. As part of a major review of paddy field policy scheduled for fiscal 2027, the stockpiling system is expected to be adjusted based on supply and demand, with specific volumes to be determined later.

Source: nippon.com. (2025, October 20). Japan Mulls Review of Rice Stockpiling Level.