Flooding and landslides wreaked havoc in several areas of Indonesia.   Prolonged rainfall since 22 January 2026 triggered flooding and landslides in Indonesia, including Jakarta and West Java. According to the updates on 25 January 2026, flooding in Jakarta affected 20 urban villages across six sub-districts. At least 585 families, or 1,623 people, were evacuated to temporary shelters. In West Java, landslides killed at least 17 people, with 73 people reported missing as of 26 January 2026. More than 30 houses were damaged. Local authorities were deployed to respond to the situation. However, smaller landslides and severe weather conditions affected search operation in the affected areas.

Source: ANTARA News. (2026, Jan 25). Floods displace over 1,600 people in Jakarta, govt focuses on relief; Reuters. (2026, Jan 26).  Death toll from landslide in Indonesia’s West Java rises to 17.

A series of minor earthquakes hit the Philippines. A total of 765 earthquakes, ranging in magnitude from 1.4 to 5.2, were recorded between 19 and 23 January 2026 near Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, the Philippines. Of these, 234 tremors were recorded, while only 30 were felt and assigned corresponding intensity values. No warning of an imminent tsunami or evacuation was issued. Residents were advised to closely monitor the situation.

Source: Manila Bulletin. (2026, Jan 23). No tsunami threat amid Sultan Kudarat quake swarm-Phivolcs.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake jolted China. A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Tebo County in Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu Province, northwest China on 26 January 2026. No casualties were reported and no major damage to buildings was recorded. Power supply, communications, and water services remained normal. Following the earthquake, the prefecture activated a Level III emergency response, and rescue teams were mobilised.

Source: China Daily. (2026, Jan 26). NW China’s Gansu hit by 5.5-magnitude quake, no casualties reported.

Heavy snow caused deaths and travel disruptions in Japan. As of 26 January 2026, heavy snowfall in Japan killed five people and injured 37 others. Local transportation services, including the Akita Shinkansen and a local train service in Aomori Prefecture, were suspended. All major highways in central and western Japan were reopened, while 97 flights operated by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways were cancelled. Snowfall was expected to continue, even as the strong winter pressure pattern gradually eased. Local authorities warned of a continuing risk of avalanches and travel disruptions. 

Source: Asahi. (2026, Jan 26).  5 die in heavy snow; JMA warns of continued risks.

Imported rice must arrive in the Philippines by the end of February. According to the Department of Agriculture, the 300,000-tonne of rice must arrive by February 28, 2026, or the shipment will be rejected and sent back to its source country at the importer's expense. The importation deadline aims to prevent imported rice affect the upcoming local harvest in March-April 2026. The policy comes after the Philippines launched its four-month rice import ban and re-entered the global rice market at the beginning of 2026.

Source: VietnamPlus. (2026, January 26). Philippines sets deadline for importing 300,000 tonnes of rice.

Thai rice exports have surpassed the 7.5-million-tonne target. According to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Thailand exported 7.9 million tonnes of rice in 2025, exceeding its 7.5-million-tonne target, driven mainly by strong year-end demand ahead of major holidays. The exported rice value is worth 148 billion THB (4.52 billion USD), with Iraq, South Africa, the United States, and China as major markets. White rice exports, accounting for 45.8 percent of total exports, declined by 39.9 percent to 3.62 million tonnes, while fragrant rice declined by 6.35 percent to 590,000 tonnes. These declines were caused by intense price competition from major exporters such as Vietnam, India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, other varieties recorded growth, with Thai hom mali rice reaching 1.76 million tonnes, a 0.57 percent increase compared to 2024, while parboiled rice rose by 18 percent to 1.51 million tonnes, glutinous rice increased by 10 percent to 330,000 tonnes, and unpolished rice saw a 200 percent surge to 90,000 tonnes. In addition, 2026 will remain a challenging year due to rising global supply, weaker demand from the key partner, economic slowdown, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. However, DFT has set a 7-million-tonne export target for 2026, supported by trade delegations, government-to-government deals, expansion to the premium niche market, and digital marketing efforts.

Source: Bangkok Post. (2026, January 22). Rice exports beat 2025 goal on strong year-end demand.

Viet Nam’s rice export prices keep declining. Vietnam’s rice export prices kept falling in early 2026, averaging 470 USD per tonne in January despite the Philippines reopening its import market. Viet Nam exported over 318,000 tonnes worth 150 million USD in the first half of January. In 2025, Viet Nam exports totaled about 8.06 million tonnes valued at 4.1 billion USD, down 10.8 percent in volume and 27.6 percent in value from 2024, with the average price being 39 USD lower than 2025 and over 157 USD lower than 2024. Philippine imports remain tariff-controlled to balance farmer protection with food supply stability.

Source: The Saigon Times. (2026, January 22). Vietnam’s rice export prices continue to fall.