The death toll from floods and landslides on Indonesia's western Sumatra island has climbed to 174, with nearly 80 people still missing. Suharyanto, director of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), reported 116 deaths in North Sumatra province, 35 in Aceh province, and 23 in West Sumatra as of this afternoon. Of those missing, 42 are from North Sumatra province alone.

The official warned that the number of casualties could further increase as rescue teams strive to reach isolated areas.

Ferry Walintukan, spokesperson for the North Sumatra police, stated that authorities are prioritizing evacuation and aid efforts, although access to some areas remains difficult and communication lines are cut.

Rescue workers traverse floodwaters with ropes to evacuate residents in Padang, West Sumatra province, Indonesia on 27/11. *AFP*

Residents recount harrowing experiences, with Misniati, a West Sumatra province resident, recalling seeing flooded roads upon returning from early morning prayers at a mosque. "I tried to run home to tell my husband while the water had already reached my waist", she said, adding that by the time she got home, the water was chest-high.

The heavy monsoon rains and storms have also severely impacted two other Southeast Asian nations, Thailand and Malaysia, pushing the total regional death toll past 300.

In Thailand, at least 145 people have died in the country's south, according to Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat. Songkhla was the hardest-hit area, overwhelming the Songklanagarind hospital morgue and necessitating the use of refrigerated trucks.

Kamban Wongpanya, a 67-year-old resident of Hat Yai city in Songkhla province, described the situation, stating that "water rose to the second floor of the house." Rescue teams had to use boats to save stranded residents.

Malaysia also reported two fatalities when heavy rains caused severe flooding in the northern state of Perlis.