Yala faces worst flooding in two decades; Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat also severely affected
The southern Thai provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are experiencing severe flooding due to relentless heavy rain.
Yala is undergoing its worst flooding in 20 years, with significant portions of Muang district inundated.
Floodwaters have also severely impacted Songkhla, particularly on major roads such as Kanjanavanich Road, causing traffic diversions and school closures, including Hat Yai Wittayalai schools.
In Songkhla's Hat Yai district, over 1.5 meters of water has inundated areas like tambon Ban Pru, submerging more than 100 homes and affecting about 250 residents.
Emergency relief centers have been established in Hat Yai City to support evacuees, and around-the-clock sandbag distribution sites are operating at Jiranakorn Stadium and the municipal park.
Narathiwat is facing similar challenges, with schools such as Ban Yaho School suspending classes as floodwaters reached 90 centimeters.
The Narathiwat Primary Education Service is urging schools to develop flood response plans.
In Yala, the city's municipality has advised residents to safeguard belongings due to ongoing risks from the overflowing Sai Buri River.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rain in the region until Saturday, caused by a strong northeast monsoon and a low-pressure system.
As a precaution, the Public Health Ministry is ensuring uninterrupted operation of over 113 healthcare facilities in affected areas.
Train services to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are also disrupted, terminating currently at Hat Yai Junction due to flooded tracks.