At least 33 dead in southern Thailand as Hat Yai hospital flooded and military mounts large-scale rescue operation
Worsening floods swamp nine Thai provinces, displace hundreds of thousands and force evacuation of patients by air and sea
Southern Thailand has been struck by one of the worst flood crises in recent memory, as severe downpours and subsequent deluges have claimed at least thirty-three lives and left entire communities submerged.
In the hardest-hit city of Hat Yai, the region’s main hospital was inundated, prompting evacuations of critically ill patients by helicopter and a full mobilisation of military and naval rescue assets.
Over the weekend, Hat Yai recorded 335 millimetres of rainfall in a single day — a historical high for the region in three centuries — which overwhelmed drainage systems and sent floodwaters rushing through low-lying districts.
Many homes, streets, and infrastructure were submerged, forcing families to shelter on rooftops and motorists to abandon vehicles as water levels rose rapidly.
Authorities say the flood has affected more than 2.7 million people across nine Thai provinces, damaging or flooding nearly one million homes.
As the death toll rose, the Thai military deployed roughly 200 boats, 20 helicopters and even its only aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet, to deliver urgent supplies, evacuate stranded citizens and provide medical relief.
Rescue teams have distributed oxygen tanks, generators, food and water, and evacuated vulnerable patients — including those on ventilators — from inundated hospitals.
The navy has converted the carrier into a floating command and aid centre, while logistics hubs at the capital’s major airports coordinate incoming relief flights.
Millions of lives have been disrupted, with tens of thousands displaced and dozens rescued from rooftops or rising floodwaters.
Tourists and foreign nationals along the southern corridor — including some from Malaysia — found themselves stranded in flooded hotels, triggering cross-border coordination between Thai and Malaysian authorities to assist stranded visitors.
Despite a gradual slowdown in rainfall, weather authorities warn that flash floods and landslides remain a danger as runoff continues and some river systems swell.
In response, the government declared emergency measures in the worst-affected provinces, and authorities have appealed for public support including boats, jet skis, medical supplies and emergency equipment.
With rescue operations ongoing, Thailand’s government and armed forces are racing to stabilise the crisis, restore order and deliver aid to the hardest-hit communities.
In the hardest-hit city of Hat Yai, the region’s main hospital was inundated, prompting evacuations of critically ill patients by helicopter and a full mobilisation of military and naval rescue assets.
Over the weekend, Hat Yai recorded 335 millimetres of rainfall in a single day — a historical high for the region in three centuries — which overwhelmed drainage systems and sent floodwaters rushing through low-lying districts.
Many homes, streets, and infrastructure were submerged, forcing families to shelter on rooftops and motorists to abandon vehicles as water levels rose rapidly.
Authorities say the flood has affected more than 2.7 million people across nine Thai provinces, damaging or flooding nearly one million homes.
As the death toll rose, the Thai military deployed roughly 200 boats, 20 helicopters and even its only aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naruebet, to deliver urgent supplies, evacuate stranded citizens and provide medical relief.
Rescue teams have distributed oxygen tanks, generators, food and water, and evacuated vulnerable patients — including those on ventilators — from inundated hospitals.
The navy has converted the carrier into a floating command and aid centre, while logistics hubs at the capital’s major airports coordinate incoming relief flights.
Millions of lives have been disrupted, with tens of thousands displaced and dozens rescued from rooftops or rising floodwaters.
Tourists and foreign nationals along the southern corridor — including some from Malaysia — found themselves stranded in flooded hotels, triggering cross-border coordination between Thai and Malaysian authorities to assist stranded visitors.
Despite a gradual slowdown in rainfall, weather authorities warn that flash floods and landslides remain a danger as runoff continues and some river systems swell.
In response, the government declared emergency measures in the worst-affected provinces, and authorities have appealed for public support including boats, jet skis, medical supplies and emergency equipment.
With rescue operations ongoing, Thailand’s government and armed forces are racing to stabilise the crisis, restore order and deliver aid to the hardest-hit communities.
