Southeast Asia is known as one of the wettest regions in the world, with several countries recording exceptionally high annual rainfall.
According to World Bank data, nations in this region receive significant precipitation each year, influenced by geographical factors, a tropical climate, and strong monsoon patterns.
Malaysia
Ranked 8th globally, Malaysia holds the top position in Southeast Asia with an average annual rainfall of 2,875 mm.
As a tropical country, Malaysia experiences rainy seasons driven by monsoon winds, particularly along the East Coast, which often faces heavy rainfall at the end of the year. Additionally, the presence of vast tropical rainforests, such as those in Sabah and Sarawak, contributes to the high precipitation levels.
Brunei
Brunei ranks 9th worldwide, with an average annual rainfall of 2,722 mm. Despite its small size, the country boasts a rich ecosystem with well-preserved tropical rainforests.
Brunei’s weather patterns are similar to Malaysia’s, with frequent heavy rainfall throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season.
Indonesia
As the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia ranks 10th globally among countries with the highest rainfall, averaging 2,702 mm per year. However, rainfall distribution across the country varies significantly by region.
Western Indonesia, including Sumatra and Kalimantan, tends to receive more rainfall compared to the eastern regions, such as Nusa Tenggara. Additionally, climate phenomena like La Niña and El Niño can greatly influence annual precipitation levels.
Singapore
Despite being small and highly urbanized, Singapore experiences relatively high rainfall, averaging 2,497 mm per year. Its proximity to the equator results in frequent rainfall throughout the year, often in the form of sudden, intense downpours that are short-lived.
To address this challenge, Singapore has implemented an integrated rainwater management strategy that not only ensures a stable water supply but also minimizes flood risks. The city's infrastructure is designed with an advanced drainage system, allowing rainwater to be swiftly and efficiently channeled away to prevent urban flooding.
Philippines
The Philippines is among the countries with high annual rainfall, averaging 2,348 mm per year. This high precipitation level is largely influenced by the frequent tropical cyclones that affect the country.
As part of the "Typhoon Belt" in the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons each year, some of which bring extreme rainfall, triggering large waves, severe flooding, and landslides.
History has recorded several devastating typhoons that caused significant damage, including Typhoon Haiyan (2013), Typhoon Melor (2015), and Typhoon Mangkhut (2018). These disasters severely impacted infrastructure and agriculture while also claiming many lives.
