Thailand is grappling with its most severe flooding in years after unprecedented rainfall pounded the country’s southern provinces, killing at least 33 people and leaving millions affected.
The city of Hat Yai, a key commercial centre bordering Malaysia, recorded an extraordinary 335mm of rain in just one day — the heaviest downpour the city has seen in three centuries. Entire neighbourhoods are submerged, vehicles are underwater, and residents are stranded on rooftops waiting for rescue.
Across 10 provinces, military ships, helicopters, boats, and high-clearance trucks have been dispatched to support evacuation efforts. The Thai navy says its aircraft carrier could be converted into a floating hospital if needed, while field kitchens are expected to prepare up to 3,000 meals daily for displaced residents.
Despite more than 2 million people being affected, only 13,000 have been moved to official shelters, with many still unreachable. Volunteer groups report receiving thousands of desperate calls for evacuation. On social media, residents plead for help as water rises into second floors of homes, leaving children, elderly people, and the sick in danger.
The crisis extends beyond Thailand.
Vietnam has reported 98 deaths in a week of relentless rains.
Malaysia has evacuated more than 19,000 people and opened 126 shelters.
Indonesia has recorded 19 deaths and several missing after landslides in North Sumatra.
While seasonal rains are common at this time of year, officials and weather experts say the scale of this year’s flooding is far more extreme than usual, affecting millions across South East Asia.
