Southeast Asia Floods: Record Rainfall Kills Dozens, Forces Thousands to Evacuate
Recent catastrophic flooding across Southeast Asia has led to widespread devastation, particularly in Thailand. The severe weather has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 33 lives and forced thousands to evacuate their homes.
Southeast Asia Floods: Record Rainfall Causes Havoc
Over the past week, relentless rains have triggered extreme flooding in 10 provinces in southern Thailand. The city of Hat Yai, a significant commercial hub near the Malaysian border, experienced its heaviest rainfall in 300 years, recording an astonishing 335mm in just one day.
Impact on Residents and Emergency Response
The floods have severely impacted over 2 million people in Thailand. However, only around 13,000 have been moved to safe shelters, with many still stranded and isolated. The Thai military has stepped in to coordinate relief efforts, preparing to dispatch an aircraft carrier and a flotilla of 14 boats filled with essential supplies.
- 33 confirmed deaths in Thailand.
- 2 million affected by floods.
- Only 13,000 evacuated to shelters.
- 335mm of rain recorded in Hat Yai.
The military’s efforts include converting its aircraft carrier into a floating hospital if necessary, alongside planned field kitchens capable of providing up to 3,000 meals daily. Boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis have been deployed for urgent evacuations in the Songkhla province, where the flooding situation remains critical.
Regional Devastation
The impact of the floods extends beyond Thailand. In Vietnam, the death toll has reached 98 within the same timeframe. In Malaysia, more than 19,000 individuals have fled their homes due to rising floodwaters. In North Sumatra, Indonesia, at least 19 fatalities have been reported, with several missing due to landslides.
In Malaysia, 126 evacuation centers have been established in northern areas to assist those displaced by the floods. Rescue teams have been navigating knee-deep waters to reach residents cut off from accessible roads.
This year’s monsoon season has been exceptionally severe, with unprecedented levels of rainfall impacting various regions throughout Southeast Asia. The urgent need for relief and recovery efforts continues as communities desperately await assistance amid this crisis.
