Millions of people in Thailand are grappling with the country’s most severe floods in 300 years, with a stark contrast between the vast scale of the disaster and the limited number of those evacuated to safety.
Over two million Thais have been impacted by the floodwaters, yet only 13,000 have been moved to temporary shelters, according to Reuters. Many affected individuals remain trapped in their homes, surrounded by water and unable to access critical assistance.
At least 18 deaths have been reported across southern Thailand, a region enduring historic inundation.
Hat Yai, a crucial economic hub in the southern Songkhla province near the Malaysian border, has been particularly devastated. The city recorded 335 millimeters of rain in a single day, marking the highest rainfall in three centuries.
Reports indicate cars and houses are submerged, with some residents forced onto rooftops awaiting rescue.
The Thai Navy, charged with leading the flood response, is mobilizing significant resources. It plans to dispatch an aircraft carrier and 14 other rescue vessels. The Navy also intends to provide 3,000 daily food kits and is prepared to convert the aircraft carrier into a floating hospital if needed.
Flat-bottom boats, trucks, and jet skis are also being deployed to assist with evacuations. Songkhla province has declared a disaster zone to release emergency funds for relief efforts.
Volunteer groups report being overwhelmed by calls for help. Matchima Rescue Center, for instance, received thousands of distress calls over the past three days. Many trapped residents have resorted to posting urgent pleas on Facebook, requesting shares to alert rescue teams. These social media posts frequently highlight a critical lack of food and water for several days.
The origin of the phrase ‘water hasn’t reached, but can’t eat’ because we can’t go out to find food. Requesting coordination to help disaster victims. An 80-year-old bedridden patient with heart disease and diabetes. Location: Soi 52 Phetkasem, Hat Yai.
Posted by Matchima Rescue Center on Sunday, November 15, 2020
The ongoing heavy rainfall is also causing severe damage in neighboring countries across Southeast Asia. Vietnam reported 91 flood-related deaths last week. In Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
Authorities in Malaysia have established 126 shelters in northern border areas, with rescue teams wading through knee-deep waters to evacuate residents in Kedah and Perlis states.