Severe flooding in southern Thailand

According to the Bangkok Post on November 24, severe flooding occurred in most of 10 southern provinces of Thailand, with heavy rain forecast to continue in the area until November 25.

"Flooding continues in 10 southern provinces, including Surat Thani, Krabi, Songkhla, and Narathiwat,... and water levels continue to rise in most of these provinces," Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on the morning of November 24.

The largest number of affected households was in Songkhla (243,568 households), followed by Nakhon Si Thammarat (210,950 households).

A flooded area in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. Photo: Bangkok Post.

Flood levels in southern provinces are rising, except for Surat Thani and Krabi, where floods have receded.

The Meteorological Department added that heavy rain will continue in the southern region until November 25.

In Hat Yai, in the southern border province of Songkhla, heavy rains caused severe flooding on November 22. Electricity was cut in some nearby areas as a safety precaution while internet service and tap water systems were disrupted.

Soldiers help evacuate people from flooded areas in Hat Yai on November 22. Photo: Royal Thai Army.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Hat Yai on November 22 to inspect the situation.

Major roads in Hat Yai, such as Phetkasem Road, are only accessible to high-clearance vehicles, and many residents reported shortages of drinking water and food after the floods. As of the afternoon of November 22, the government had declared 13 of Songkhla's 16 districts as "disaster zones."

Hat Yai City earlier warned residents in 103 communities to move their belongings and prepare for possible evacuation due to severe flooding.

Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand has suspended 10 southern train routes after water rose in some locations.

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