Southeast Asia is currently experiencing extensive flooding, affecting multiple countries and resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
Thailand's Flood Situation
Floods have impacted ten provinces across southern Thailand over the past week, leading to 18 reported fatalities. The city of Hat Yai, a commercial hub near the Malaysian border, registered 335mm of rainfall in a single day, an amount stated to be the highest in 300 years for the area. Visual reports indicate submerged vehicles and residences in Hat Yai, with residents observed on rooftops.
Over 2 million individuals in Thailand have been affected by these floods. Approximately 13,000 people have been relocated to shelters, while the majority remain in affected areas without immediate assistance, according to Reuters. The Thai military has assumed command of the crisis response. Preparations include deploying an aircraft carrier and a flotilla of 14 boats to deliver relief supplies. Field kitchens designed to produce 3,000 meals daily are also part of the aid effort. The navy has indicated that medical teams on the aircraft carrier are prepared to establish a "floating hospital" if necessary. Boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis have been deployed for resident evacuation, as confirmed by the governor of Songkhla province, which includes Hat Yai. On Tuesday, the cabinet designated Songkhla a disaster zone, thereby allocating funds for relief operations.
Volunteer organizations, such as the Matchima Rescue Center, have reported receiving thousands of calls for evacuation over three days. Social media platforms have been used by individuals to communicate their situations, including being trapped in rising waters, requiring assistance for children, the elderly, sick, and disabled individuals, and reporting lack of food and water. One widely circulated video depicted three boys attempting to move to safety along power lines as water levels rose.
Impact in Neighboring Countries
Neighboring countries have also been affected by the extensive rainfall:
- Vietnam: The death toll has reached 91 within a week.
- Malaysia: Over 19,000 individuals have been evacuated from their homes. A total of 126 evacuation centers have been established in northern border regions. Rescue teams in the states of Kelantan and Perlis have conducted evacuations in areas where floodwaters rendered roads inaccessible.