At least 33 people have died in severe flooding across several regions of Thailand following days of heavy rainfall. To manage the worsening disaster, authorities have deployed military ships and helicopters.
In the commercial city of Hat Yai, near the Malaysian border, 335 millimeters of rain fell in a single day — the highest recorded in the city in 300 years, according to local officials.
Drone footage captured dozens of vehicles floating in floodwaters in Hat Yai’s car parks. Images from across the city show homes and vehicles almost completely submerged. Many residents have taken shelter on the rooftops of their houses, waiting for rescue.
Over the past week, 10 provinces in southern Thailand have been hit by extreme rainfall. More than 2 million people have been affected, but only 13,000 have been evacuated to shelters so far. Reuters reports that a vast number of people remain stranded and without assistance.
The Thai military has been tasked with leading the response. Officials said preparations are underway to deploy an aircraft carrier and a fleet of 14 naval vessels carrying food, water, and emergency supplies. Mobile kitchens, capable of providing nearly 3,000 meals per day, will also be set up.
The navy stated that if needed, medical teams aboard the aircraft carrier could transform it into a “floating hospital.”
Rescue teams are using boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis to reach those trapped by rising water. According to the governor of Songkhla province—where Hat Yai is located—efforts are ongoing to relocate stranded residents to safer areas.
On Tuesday, the Thai cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone to allow the release of emergency funds. Still, thousands remain trapped amid continuous rainfall.
Neighboring countries have also suffered heavy damage. Vietnam has recorded 98 deaths in the past week due to severe flooding, while more than 19,000 people in Malaysia have been forced to leave their homes. Authorities in northern Malaysia have opened 126 shelters for displaced residents.
