monsoon

The region's annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rain.

Heavy monsoon rain overwhelmed parts of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia this week, killing more than 300 people and leaving thousands stranded, many on rooftops awaiting rescue.

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the northeast monsoon season, but rainfall has intensified due to the cyclone, it added.

The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rains, triggering landslides and flash floods.

Heavy rainfall in Malaysia is normal during the northeast monsoon period, but recent downpours have been unusually intense, it says.