Powerful earthquakes killed at least 68 people in Indonesia. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia on 15 August 2026, causing severe damage and prompting a 14-day state of emergency. The initial tremor was followed over 1,500 aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.2 earthquake, as well as a separate magnitude 6.9 earthquake off western Sumatra Island. The incidents caused at least 68 deaths, injured over 200 people, displaced 5,000 residents, and damaged thousands of buildings. Authorities set up two emergency field hospitals in the hardest-hit town, while nearly 1,500 military and police personnel deployed to distribute aids to the affected areas.

Source: Al Jazeera. (2026, August 15). Magnitude 7.7 quake hits Indonesia, killing at least 47. BBC. (2026, August 17). Aid shortages and fears of starvation as Indonesia reels from deadly earthquake. CBS News. (2026, August 17). Indonesia earthquake death toll nears 70 as thousands wait for help on country’s Independence Day.

Catastrophic floods extensively submerged Philippines. Excessive rainfall driven by monsoon rains and two tropical cyclones raised the death toll to 23 across the Philippines, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The storm also triggered severe floods in several parts of Metro Manila region on 17 August 2026, submerging streets and producing waist-deep or deeper floodwaters. The government offered free public transport amid traffic disruption, while launching relief, clearing, and medical assistance operations. Furthermore, officials ordered relevant agencies to ensure a swift response and prioritise the safety of affected residents in the capital and surrounding areas.

Source: Gulf News. (2026, August 18). Manila floods again: Billions of pesos for flood control, yet Metro Manila is still drowning – 7 possible solutions. Philippine News Agency. (2026, August 18). Marcos orders swift gov’t response as heavy rains flood Metro Manila. Philstar. (2026, August 18). Metro Manila flooding: It’s not just the rain-here’s what can help.

Extreme floods forced thousands of people to evacuate in China. On 12 August 2026, a levee along the Beiru River in Jiaxian County collapsed following extreme rainfall, forcing the evacuation of more than 2,000 residents. Meanwhile, China’s state media reported on 14 August 2026 that heavy downpours and floods continued to batter the country’s eastern and southern provinces. In Zhejiang province, a mudslide triggered by flash floods caused a house to collapse, leaving one person dead and three others missing. In response, authorities activated the highest-level flood-control emergency response, while China’s National Meteorological Center renewed a yellow alert for heavy rain.

Source: Anadolu Ajansi. (2026, August 13). Flooding in China displaces thousands as Japan declares highest emergency with 1 killed. Reuters. (2026, August 14). Mudslide in eastern China kills one, more heavy rain expected.

Indonesia Plans First Rice Shipment to Malaysia. Following a memorandum of understanding between state-run Bulog and Malaysia’s Padi dan Beras Borneo, Indonesia plans to export 1,000 MT of premium rice to Malaysia as the country seeks to expand its presence in international markets. The initial shipment is part of a partnership with Malaysia’s Padi dan Beras Borneo, with of 1,000 MT would serve as the first consignment under the partnership, with the initial 1,000 MT shipment annual exports expected to gradually increase to 200,000 MT. Bulog said the deal reflects Indonesia’s stronger rice production and food security, with government rice reserves reaching around 5.2 million MT. The government also assured that rice exports would not affect domestic food supplies.

Source: ANTARA News. (2026, August 15). Eastern Shan State trials Pawsan Hmwe, Basmati rice.

Myanmar Trials Pawsan Hmwe and Basmati Rice in Shan State. According to Shan State government. Myanmar is conducting trial cultivation of Pawsan Hmwe and Basmati rice in Monghsat and Mongpan townships in eastern Shan State. In Monghsat, 60 acres (24.28 hectares) of Pawsan Hmwe have been planted, with farmers receiving agricultural inputs. The Shan State government aims to revive Pawsan Hmwe’s reputation as a premium export rice and increase exports from Shan State to international markets.

*1 hectare = 2.47 acres

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar. (2026, August 12). Eastern Shan State trials Pawsan Hmwe, Basmati rice.

Thailand’s Q2 Economy Slows as Paddy Rice Output Declines. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026, slowing from 2.8 percent in the first quarter. The agricultural sector expanded 1.5 percent, supported by higher output of fruit, sugar cane and rubber, while paddy rice and oil palm production declined. Despite the fall in rice output, overall farm income increased 6.6 percent, marking its first growth in five quarters. The NESDC expects Thailand’s GDP to grow 2.0 – 2.5 percent in 2026, with a midpoint forecast of 2.2 percent.

Source: Nation Thailand. (2026, August 17). Thailand’s Q2 GDP growth eases to 1.9% despite strong investment.