Post by : Saif Rahman

Ravaging floods in southern Thailand have devastated communities, bringing death and chaos to thousands. In one heart-wrenching incident, a family fought for survival for 48 hours while perched on makeshift rafts of floating furniture. The Amphorn Kaeophengkro family, based in Hat Yai, experienced this harrowing ordeal when torrential waters surged into their home without warning.

This disaster unfolded last Saturday as the water invaded their residence with alarming speed. Forced to retreat to the second floor, the family soon realized that they were not safe, as the floodwaters swiftly engulfed most of the upper level. Stranded without electricity, they clung to whatever could support them—tables, window frames, and even a washing machine—as they waited helplessly in the darkness.

Mother Amphorn, aged 44, shared that their sole focus was survival. There was no time to think about food or possessions; their priority was to keep each other alive. With the water rising, they had to frequently lift their feet to avoid prolonged exposure to the chilling depths. As furniture began to float, safe spots grew increasingly scarce.

To date, these floods have tragically claimed 162 lives across nine provinces, with 126 fatalities occurring in Songkhla. Hat Yai experienced unprecedented rainfall—335 millimeters in just 48 hours, marking an all-time record for the region. Many residents felt blindsided, stating they did not receive timely alerts from authorities. This lack of warning left families trapped as waters rose rapidly.

Emergency shelters have now been established as thousands find their homes inundated and vital infrastructure damaged. Currently, numerous areas in Hat Yai remain without electricity, and officials cannot confirm when it will be restored. Families like the Amphorns are now focused on assessing damage and contending with the emotional fallout from their close brush with death.

The national government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is facing mounting criticism for its inadequate disaster response. Citizens and local groups are questioning the absence of early warnings and the delay in rescue operations. This backlash has resulted in the dismissal of Hat Yai’s district chief and a police chief transfer, highlighting systemic failures in local governance.

Throughout the harrowing ordeal, Amphorn and her family strived to connect with their neighbors, calling out to each other through the chaos. Even the smallest exchanges provided solace during the protracted hours of despair.

This flood serves as a stark reminder of the swift devastation that natural disasters can impart on communities. As waters begin to recede, families are left grappling with the extensive damage, emotional trauma, and pressing questions regarding the efficacy of their local disaster response. Survivors are now working to rebuild their lives, holding onto hope amid the wreckage of one of Hat Yai’s most catastrophic floods.

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