Introduction

Flooding has become one of Asia’s most urgent climate challenges, disrupting transportation networks, supply chains, and economies across the continent. Today, we’ll explore how countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Bangladesh have been affected, and demonstrate how a Transportation Management System (TMS) can significantly enhance supply chain resilience.

1. The Rising Tide: Flooding Across Asia

South Asia: India and Pakistan

Relentless monsoon rains recently triggered devastating floods across northern India, especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab—claiming lives and displacing hundreds of thousands. River overflow and landslides have also struck New Delhi AP News.
Pakistan, already reeling from massive evacuations, braces for further cross-border flood surges from rivers like the Sutlej AP News.

Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Thailand

Tropical Storm Kajiki unleashed severe flooding and landslides across Vietnam and Thailand. In Vietnam, flash floods led to casualties, injuries, and widespread evacuation—while in Thailand’s north, regions like Chiang Mai saw dangerous landslides and missing persons AP NewsThe Guardian.

Vietnam (Điện Biên Province)

In mid-2025, prolonged heavy rainfall caused flash floods and landslides in Vietnam’s Điện Biên province. The devastation included collapsed homes, isolated communities, and large-scale displacement Wikipedia.

Myanmar

Typhoon Yagi and Cyclone Komen brought rainfall and landslides, resulting in hundreds of deaths, destruction of infrastructure, mass evacuations, and enormous challenges in delivering aid ReutersWikipedia.

Bangladesh

Severe flooding disrupted operations at the Port of Chattogram—halting cargo handling and logistics, delaying supplies, and creating widespread supply chain bottlenecks Business Upturn.

2. Economic Toll of Floods in Asia

Asia’s flood-related economic losses are staggering. In 2022, floods were the leading cause of natural disasters in the region, accounting for over 90% of fatalities from 81 hazard events PreventionWebPratirodh.
In 2023 alone, flooding cost the Asia-Pacific US$65 billion in damages, with China absorbing over US$32 billion in losses Logistics Asia.
Historical data from 2021 showed flood damages of US$18.4 billion in China, US$3.2 billion in India, and US$0.6 billion in Thailand World Meteorological Organization.

3. Logistics Underwater: How Flooding Disrupts Supply Chains

• Port Shutdowns & Traffic Jams
  Floodwaters near Chittagong port created 40 km traffic queues and stranded vessels—delaying essential goods like food supplies, fertilizers, and industrial materials Reddit.

• Rail and Road Disruptions
  Case studies, such as in Semarang, Indonesia, show how floods cause severe delays, increased costs, and derail transport efficiency. Inundated rail stations hinder distribution flows Siber Research.

• Medical Access Blocked
  Floods compromise road and bridge access in Southeast Asia, limiting emergency and medical services during critical times Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

• Agriculture and Food Security
  Regions like Thailand and Bangladesh face crop losses, reduced rice exports, and strained regional food security due to flood-induced disruptions Voice of AmericaMedium.

4. TMS to the Rescue: Building Resilient Logistics Networks

Transport Management Systems (TMS) offer powerful solutions for navigating flood-related logistics challenges:

a. Dynamic Route Optimization

A TMS enables real-time rerouting to avoid flooded roads, recognize closures, and maintain smooth delivery flows even amid disruptions.

b. Real-Time Visibility & Monitoring

Floods demand heightened situational awareness. A TMS offers live tracking of shipments to reroute quickly, reduce delays, and minimize losses.

c. Alternative Carrier & Mode Selection

When primary routes or modes are blocked, a TMS allows quick shifts to backup carriers or transport options (e.g., river vs. road), preserving supply chain continuity.

d. Automated Notifications & Alerts

Stakeholders—from drivers to dispatchers and clients—receive instant updates when floods disrupt operations, ensuring better coordination and response.

e. Data-Driven Disaster Response

TMS insights help logistics managers assess delays, financial impact, and recovery measures, accelerating the restoration of normal operations.

“TMS Streamlines Logistics” 

“Improved efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced visibility through real-time tracking and optimized routes.”

Conclusion:
As flooding grows more frequent and severe across Asia, building resilient logistics is no longer optional—it’s essential. A Transportation Management System empowers organizations to route around risk, maintain visibility, and rapidly adapt in crisis. For logistics professionals in flood-prone regions, investing in a TMS means safeguarding your supply chain—and ultimately, your business.