Southern Thailand is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 33 lives and impacted over 2.7 million people across 12 provinces, according to officials. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains, has left homes submerged, streets impassable, and thousands stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. Dramatic footage captured by Thai PBS showed a family of five being rescued from their nearly submerged home in Hat Yai, the region’s largest city, highlighting the dire situation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a state of emergency in Songkhla province, citing the “unprecedented severity” of the floods. While rainfall has begun to decrease, the Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rains and flash flooding. Emergency response efforts are in full swing, with the Thai navy deploying its sole aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, as an offshore command center. The air force base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport has been designated as a staging area for relief operations. Hat Yai Hospital faces critical challenges, with 50 intubated patients airlifted to safety and plans underway to evacuate 600 others. The Public Health Ministry is also mobilizing mental health teams to support affected individuals and medical personnel.
Families in southern Thailand perch on rooftops to escape flooding that has killed at least 33
