Catastrophic flooding has devastated southern Thailand, with officials confirming a death toll of at least 145 people. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains, has impacted a staggering 3.6 million individuals across 1.2 million households.
Rising Toll and Regional Impact
As floodwaters began to recede on Friday, the full scale of the tragedy became clearer. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed the fatalities in a news conference held in Bangkok. The devastation has been concentrated in eight provinces, with Songkhla province suffering the most severe losses, recording at least 110 deaths.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that twelve southern provinces have been affected. The situation in Songkhla saw a sharp increase in the death toll as rescuers gained access to previously submerged residential areas, particularly in Hat Yai, the south's largest city.
Rescue Efforts and Uncovering the Damage
Siripong noted that search and rescue operations have become more successful as the floodwaters subside. The disaster department stated that while waters have receded in most areas, levels remain dangerously high in some locations.
The flooding caused severe disruption, stranding thousands of people, rendering streets completely impassable, and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles. Visual evidence from the affected areas paints a grim picture: damaged roads, fallen power poles, and household appliances lie amongst debris piled along the streets. Abandoned cars were found overturned or stacked atop one another, swept away by the powerful currents.
Weather Outlook and Ongoing Crisis
While the Meteorological Department has reported a decrease in rainfall for the south, it has issued warnings for potential thunderstorms in some areas. The nation now faces the immense task of recovery as the receding waters reveal the full, devastating extent of the damage left behind by one of the worst flood crises to hit Southeast Asia in recent times.
