Thailand Mobilizes Massive Rescue Effort as Deadly Floods Inundate Southern Region

Thailand Mobilizes Massive Rescue Effort as Deadly Floods Inundate Southern Region
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Thailand airlifted patients and delivered critical supplies to the flooded southern city of Hat Yai on Wednesday, as severe flooding across the region pushed the death toll to 33, Reuters reported. Nine provinces in Thailand and eight states in neighbouring Malaysia have been hit by the second year of major floods, forcing nearly 50,000 people to evacuate.

Indonesia has also reported up to 13 deaths from floods and landslides, while one fatality has been confirmed in Malaysia. Hat Yai, a major commercial center, was submerged after three days of record-setting rainfall. On Friday alone, the city received 335 millimetres of rain, its highest daily total in three centuries.

The Thai military deployed around 200 boats, 20 helicopters and its sole aircraft carrier, Chakri Naruebet, to support evacuations and supply deliveries. Authorities said they had received more than 77,000 requests for assistance through social media.

Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the fatalities were caused by strong currents, drowning, electrocution and landslides. Large areas of Hat Yai remained without power on Wednesday, with floodwaters still hampering rescue operations despite signs of gradual receding.

Hospitals in both Thailand and Malaysia have been affected. Hat Yai’s main government hospital, treating about 600 patients, saw its first floor flooded, prompting the evacuation of all intensive care cases. Military helicopters also evacuated critically ill patients from other facilities.

In Malaysia’s Perlis state, medical staff moved patients through knee-deep water at Kangar’s main hospital. Despite the large-scale operation, some stranded residents continued to issue urgent appeals for rescue or essential supplies.