Post by : Rameen Ariff

Severe flooding has engulfed parts of southern Thailand, leading to extensive damage and significant loss of life. In the last week, intense rainfall has caused record floods across ten provinces, with Hat Yai, a crucial commercial hub near the Malaysia border, experiencing its most severe downpour in 300 years—335 millimeters in just one day. As streets and homes submerge, many residents have been forced to take refuge on their rooftops.

Currently, at least 18 lives have been lost due to this flooding disaster, with over 2 million people impacted. Only approximately 13,000 have reached safe shelters, as many remain stuck with severed transport routes. The Thai military is spearheading rescue and relief operations, mobilizing an aircraft carrier along with 14 boats loaded with supplies and field kitchens capable of serving 3,000 meals daily. Medical teams on the carrier are ready to transform it into a floating hospital if necessary.

In Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is situated, the governor has reported that boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis are being utilized for evacuations. The government declared Songkhla a disaster zone to allocate additional resources for relief efforts. Nonetheless, the situation is dire, with numerous rescue requests inundating volunteer groups. Many residents have taken to social media, urgently appealing for food, water, and evacuation assistance. One notable video depicts three boys clinging to power lines in a desperate bid for safety as floodwaters rise around them.

The impact of the flooding extends beyond Thailand’s borders. In Vietnam, recent floods have claimed at least 98 lives within a week, while over 19,000 residents in Malaysia have been evacuated from affected regions, mainly near the northern states of Kelantan and Perlis. Rescue teams are laboring diligently to reach isolated communities, often wading through knee-deep waters.

These heavy rains and subsequent floods are attributed to seasonal monsoon weather patterns, which have intensified in recent years. This calamity underscores the pressing need for better disaster preparedness and support for vulnerable communities across Southeast Asia. Authorities are tirelessly working to rescue stranded individuals and provide crucial aid as the flooding crisis evolves.

#Global News