Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed a devastating flood crisis across southern Thailand, claiming at least 13 lives and displacing nearly two million people in ten provinces. The flooding, described as the worst in 25 years, has submerged entire districts, turned roads into rivers, and overwhelmed emergency services. In Hat Yai, one of the hardest-hit cities, rainfall of 335 mm in a single day—over 300 years of the highest recorded—has turned the city into a sea of water, trapping thousands of residents and tourists. Local officials have ordered mass evacuations as floodwaters reach up to three meters in depth, with helicopters dropping supplies and emergency crews operating boats to rescue stranded individuals.
Residents are seen wading through deep water as emergency crews use boats to rescue people and deliver supplies. Footage posted online shows entire roads underwater and brown torrents rushing through the streets of Hat Yai’s commercial district. One video captured a large snake moving through the floodwaters, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis. The Chana Power Plant in Songkhla temporarily halted operations due to rising water, though other power stations remain functional. Flooding has disrupted mobile networks and electricity in several areas, complicating rescue operations.
Government officials have declared several provinces disaster zones and mobilized the navy and other forces for large-scale relief operations. Multiple ministries are coordinating aid efforts, with the irrigation department working with other agencies to drain floodwater using trucks, water pumps, and propellers. Despite the challenges, officials are focused on evacuating high-risk communities and restoring essential services, though the scale of the disaster continues to strain local infrastructure and resources.
The crisis has also spilled over into neighboring Malaysia, where over 12,000 people have been affected by flooding in several northern states. Malaysian authorities have ordered emergency assistance, with King Sultan Ibrahim directing federal and state agencies to expedite evacuations. As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developing crisis, with concerns growing over the long-term impacts on regional stability and economic activity.