Thailand has officially designated its southern province of Songkhla as a disaster zone following catastrophic flooding that has resulted in at least 13 fatalities and left thousands stranded. The situation escalated after the region’s Hat Yai district experienced an unprecedented downpour of 335mm (approximately 13 inches) on Friday, marking the highest recorded rainfall in a single day in three centuries. The floodwaters have risen to levels as high as 2 meters (6.6 feet) in various areas, according to reports from local officials and media outlets.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of Thailand confirmed the tragic death toll and indicated that around 150,000 residents in Hat Yai are presently cut off due to the floods. Seree Supratid, the director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University, noted in a Facebook update that many individuals are in urgent need of assistance as the flooding continues to disrupt daily life.
In a swift response, the Thai government has enabled a rapid deployment of resources by officially declaring Songkhla a disaster zone, facilitating the allocation of funds aimed at disaster relief efforts. The ongoing heavy rains have not only affected Songkhla but have also impacted nine additional southern provinces, affecting approximately 2.1 million people. Reports indicate that around 13,000 individuals have already moved to emergency shelters, while others remain isolated and in desperate need of aid.
The Thai military has announced its commitment to support disaster relief efforts, sending reinforcements that include a C-130 cargo plane loaded with medical supplies, food, and water, as well as 14 rubber boats. The aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet has also been mobilized, ready to serve as a floating hospital and housing emergency medical personnel to cater to the growing number of calls for help from those affected by the flooding.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the Thai military remains dedicated to assisting local emergency responders, who have been inundated with requests for evacuation and essential supplies. Anecdotal evidence of urgent appeals for assistance has emerged across social media, with many posting desperate messages seeking help.
Furthermore, the flooding has severely impacted the industrial sector, affecting hundreds of factories and forcing at least 17 power plants in the region to temporarily cease operations. This setback is significant, given the region’s prominence as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of rubber.
In nearby Malaysia, similar flooding has triggered the movement of more than 19,000 individuals to designated evacuation centers, underscoring the widespread nature of the disturbances caused by recent weather patterns. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed solidarity with those affected, encouraging compliance with evacuation orders and extending prayers for resilience among flood victims.
In the wake of these natural disasters, Thailand and its neighbors remain firmly committed to prioritizing community welfare and utilizing available resources to combat the challenges posed by such extreme weather events. As Thailand navigates this difficult period, the efforts of the military and local authorities illustrate an admirable commitment to safeguarding the lives of those impacted.
#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews