At least 33 people have died and more than 10,000 have been displaced across seven southern provinces in Thailand following days of heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, government officials reported on Tuesday. A state of emergency has been declared in Songkhla province, where the major commercial hub of Hat Yai has been significantly impacted by the rising waters.
The flooding, which began in late November, prompted a large-scale response from civilian and military authorities. Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed the death toll in a statement to reporters.
“Authorities say 33 people have died across seven provinces, with causes including flash floods, electrocution and drowning,” Angkasakulkiat said. He added that the government anticipates water levels will begin to recede.
In Hat Yai, news agency reports showed streets and the ground floors of residential buildings submerged in floodwater. The conditions led to the stranding of residents and travelers, requiring extensive rescue operations.
According to the Songkhla province’s public relations department, more than 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in that province alone. Rescuers have been using boats, jet skis, and military trucks to transport individuals to safety. Local university campuses have been converted into temporary shelters to house those displaced by the floods.
The Thai military has been mobilized to support the relief efforts. The army confirmed the deployment of an aircraft carrier and the use of helicopters to airlift patients to nearby hospitals.
To address the immediate needs of affected residents, the Songkhla provincial administration announced on Wednesday that it had established food centers capable of distributing up to 20,000 food boxes per day.
While Thailand regularly experiences a heavy monsoon season from June to September, some climate experts have noted that changing weather patterns have made conditions less predictable in recent years.
