BANGKOK (AP) – Severe flooding in southern Thailand has led to a devastating loss of life and widespread damage, with officials reporting at least 33 deaths since the weekend. The situation has prompted emergency response efforts as approximately 1 million households and over 2.7 million people across 12 southern provinces have been severely affected by the floods, triggered by persistent heavy rains.
As of Wednesday, the accumulated rainfall began to wane, offering a glimmer of hope that water levels would gradually recede. However, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rains and potential flash flooding in the southern region, advising vigilance among residents.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a state of emergency for Songkhla province on Tuesday, which includes Hat Yai, the region's largest city. He emphasized the “unprecedented severity” of the flooding, which has resulted in substantial destruction and impassable streets. In Hat Yai, many low-rise buildings and vehicles have become nearly submerged, trapping numerous residents. Rescuers are utilizing flat-bottom boats to deliver food baskets to those stranded on higher floors of inundated buildings.
Drone footage aired by Thai PBS captured a harrowing scene of a family of five being rescued from their rooftop in Hat Yai. The house was almost entirely submerged, and emergency workers managed to spot the family, including an elderly woman, who were eventually loaded onto a lifeboat after breaking through the rooftop. This desperate moment underscores the dire circumstances many residents are facing as they await assistance.
The situation at Hat Yai Hospital has also escalated into a critical emergency, with Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat reporting a risk of power outages due to high water levels. In response, approximately 50 patients requiring intubation were airlifted to other hospitals by military helicopters, and plans are in place to evacuate around 600 additional patients and hospital staff.
Recognizing the mental strain on both medical personnel and the public, the Public Health Ministry is mobilizing a mental health team to provide support during this challenging period. As the situation unfolds, efforts to address the pressing needs of those affected continue.
In an effort to coordinate relief operations effectively, the Thai navy’s sole aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet, has been dispatched from its eastern berth to serve as an offshore command center. Additionally, an air force base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport will play a crucial role in staging airlift operations to deliver essential supplies to the impacted areas.
As southern Thailand grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding, communities are coming together in resilience and support for those impacted by this natural disaster. The ongoing response highlights both the challenges faced by local authorities and the determination of rescuers to provide assistance and mitigate the effects of this calamity.
