Southern Thailand is reeling under its worst flooding in decades, with the death toll rising to 33 and millions affected across multiple provinces. Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province as rescue teams battle to evacuate stranded residents and deliver critical supplies to submerged areas.
Unprecedented Rainfall Triggers Catastrophic Flooding
The crisis began over the weekend when record-breaking rainfall pounded southern Thailand. The commercial hub of Hat Yai experienced its highest single-day rainfall in 300 years, with 335 mm recorded last Friday. This triggered flash floods that submerged entire neighborhoods, with water levels reaching 2.5 meters in some areas.
Visuals from affected regions show cars and houses completely underwater, with residents trapped on rooftops awaiting rescue. The flooding has impacted approximately 1 million households and 2.7 million people across 12 southern provinces, according to Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Emergency Response and Hospital Crisis
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a state of emergency for Songkhla province on Tuesday, citing the "unprecedented severity" of the situation. The declaration came as Hat Yai Hospital faced a critical situation with rising water levels threatening to cut power to the facility.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat confirmed that army helicopters had to airlift 50 patients on ventilators to safety. An additional 600 patients and hospital staff may require evacuation as conditions deteriorate. Emergency teams are using boats to navigate flooded streets, delivering oxygen tanks and other essential supplies to affected areas.
Regional Impact and Rescue Operations
The floods have particularly devastated provinces including Yala, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani, Satun, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Local media reports indicate that thousands of residents remain stranded, with emergency services working round the-clock to conduct rescue operations.
Authorities have mobilized all available resources, including military helicopters for airlifting critical patients and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. The situation remains fluid as more rainfall is forecasted for the region in the coming days.
