Several regions of Thailand are struggling with historic flooding, leaving at least 33 people dead and forcing authorities to deploy military ships, helicopters, and emergency rescue teams to assist trapped residents.
Over the past week, intense rainfall has impacted 10 southern Thai provinces, with Hat Yai, a major commercial city near the Malaysian border, experiencing its heaviest rainfall in 300 years—a staggering 335 millimeters in just one day.
Images from the city show vehicles completely submerged and homes swallowed by muddy floodwater, while residents stranded on rooftops wait anxiously for rescue.
Flood Crisis Spreads Across Southeast Asia
The disaster has not been limited to Thailand. Neighboring countries are also facing deadly consequences:
- Vietnam: At least 98 deaths reported in the past week due to floods.
- Malaysia: Over 19,000 people displaced from their homes.
- Indonesia: At least 19 fatalities confirmed, with seven people missing after landslides in North Sumatra, according to national search and rescue authorities.
In Thailand alone, more than 2 million people have been affected, but only about 13,000 have reached official shelters. Many communities remain cut off from aid, according to international reports.
Military Mobilized for Large-Scale Rescue and Relief
The Thai military, now leading disaster response efforts, has announced plans to deploy:
- An aircraft carrier
- A fleet of 14 relief boats
- Field kitchens capable of preparing 3,000 meals daily
Medical teams aboard the vessel are also preparing to transform it into a floating hospital if emergency medical needs increase.
In Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located, flood rescue operations include boats, jet skis, and high-clearance trucks to evacuate residents from submerged neighborhoods.
The Thai cabinet has officially declared Songkhla a disaster zone, allowing for the immediate release of emergency funding.
Thousands of Distress Calls and Social Media Pleas for Help
Despite rescue operations, many people remain stranded as floodwaters continue to rise. The Matchima Rescue Center, a volunteer group, reported receiving thousands of emergency calls in just three days, with desperate requests for evacuation.
Social media platforms have also been flooded with urgent appeals:
- “The water has reached the second floor. There are children, elderly, sick and disabled here. Please help!”
- “We’ve been waiting three days for rescue. Every second matters. My phone battery is at 40%.”
Some residents also reported running out of food and drinking water.
A heartbreaking video circulating online shows three young boys clinging to overhead power lines, trying to escape rising floodwaters below.
Malaysia Continues Mass Evacuations
In Malaysia, more than 19,000 residents have been moved to safety, with 126 evacuation centers activated, especially in the northern border states.
In Kelantan and Perlis, rescue workers waded through knee-deep waters to evacuate trapped families after floodwaters blocked road access.
Unusually Severe Monsoon Season
While heavy rains are common during this time in Southeast Asia, officials say this year’s flooding is unusually intense, with rainfall, river overflows, and landslides occurring at extraordinary levels across multiple countries.
Experts warn that ongoing climate shifts may be contributing to more frequent and destructive weather extremes across the region.
