A wave of extreme weather has unleashed catastrophic flooding across Thailand and parts of Southeast Asia, with officials warning that the situation could worsen as rescue teams struggle to reach stranded residents.
Over the past week, ten provinces in southern Thailand have been inundated by relentless rainfall, with Hat Yai—a major commercial city near the Malaysian border—recording a staggering 335mm of rain in a single day, its heaviest rainfall in 300 years. At least 18 people have been killed, and more than 2 million affected, as rising waters swallow homes, roads and vehicles.
Images from Hat Yai show submerged neighbourhoods and families trapped on rooftops awaiting emergency evacuations. Yet only 13,000 people have been able to reach official shelters, leaving the vast majority stranded without support.
Military Mobilised as Rescue Efforts Intensify
Amid mounting desperation, the Thai military has taken command of the response, preparing to deploy an aircraft carrier, 14 naval vessels, high-clearance trucks, jet skis, and helicopters. The vessel is expected to serve as a “floating hospital”, with medical teams standing by to handle severe cases.
Field kitchens capable of producing 3,000 meals per day are also being dispatched to support communities that have gone days without food and clean water.
Songkhla province, home to Hat Yai, has now been declared a disaster zone, unlocking emergency funds for relief operations.
Desperate Pleas for Help Flood Social Media
Rescue volunteers say they have been overwhelmed. The Matchima Rescue Center reported receiving thousands of calls over the last three days. On its Facebook page, people have posted urgent messages:
- “Many people are trapped… Please help. The water has reached the second floor.”
- “We have been waiting for rescue for three days. Every second is crucial.”
A viral clip circulating online shows three young boys clinging to power lines, inching to safety as floodwaters surge beneath them.
Regional Crisis Spreads to Vietnam and Malaysia
Thailand’s crisis forms part of a wider regional emergency. Vietnam has recorded 98 deaths in a week, while in Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been evacuated from flood-prone northern states.
In Kelantan and Perlis, rescue teams waded through knee-deep waters to reach areas cut off after rivers burst their banks. Over 120 evacuation centres have been opened, providing temporary shelter to displaced families.
A Growing Climate Emergency
Experts warn that Southeast Asia is facing increasingly volatile weather patterns, with extreme rainfall events becoming more frequent. As relief operations continue, authorities fear that further storms could compound the damage.