A catastrophic storm, described by officials as a 'once in 300 years' event, has unleashed devastating floods across Thailand, claiming at least 33 lives and impacting over 2.7 million people.
The relentless downpour has submerged entire neighbourhoods under metres of water, marking the country's worst flooding in decades.
Major Commercial Hub Brought to Its Knees
The southern city of Hat Yai, a crucial commercial centre near the Malaysian border, has borne the brunt of the disaster. In a single day, the city was deluged with 335mm of rainfall, the heaviest recorded in three centuries.
A week of continuous rain has left vast parts of the region underwater, crippling infrastructure and stranding thousands of residents.
Desperate Rescue Missions Underway
Rescue operations have been hampered by fast currents and submerged roads, but authorities are persevering. On Wednesday, helicopters were readied to evacuate intensive care patients from the flooded Hat Yai hospital.
Public health ministry official Somrerk Chungsaman confirmed that all critical patients would be moved, with around 2,000 people, including staff and relatives, still trapped inside the facility after its ground floor flooded, cutting off power and medical supplies.
In a dramatic effort, rescue crews transported generators to the hospital roof, as seen in images released by the navy. The military has deployed 20 helicopters and 200 boats, while Thailand's only aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, has been sent to provide air support, medical aid, and meals.
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat acknowledged the immense challenges, stating that rescue teams were struggling to access cut-off parts of the city.
Widespread Regional Impact
The crisis extends far beyond Hat Yai, with flooding sweeping across nine Thai provinces. The interior ministry reports that more than 980,000 homes have been affected, vehicles are submerged, markets are inundated, and electricity has been cut to entire districts.
So far, approximately 13,000 people have been relocated to shelters, but many remain stranded without access to food or drinking water. Online videos depict a dire situation, with residents wading through chest-deep water and others huddled on rooftops awaiting rescue.
The Matchima Rescue Centre reported receiving thousands of evacuation requests in just three days, indicating a surging demand for help.
This extreme weather event is part of a larger system lashing Southeast Asia. In neighbouring Malaysia, over 19,000 people have been displaced, while in Indonesia's North Sumatra region, floods and landslides have killed at least 19 people.
With the Thai meteorological department forecasting more heavy rain for southern provinces like Songkhla, authorities have declared the area a disaster zone
