Hat Yai, Thailand – Southeast Asia is grappling with a devastating flood crisis, with Thailand mobilizing its navy after a “once-in-300-years” deluge submerged a major city, while Vietnam and Malaysia face their own deadly battles with relentless rains.
In southern Thailand, ten provinces are underwater, with the business hub of Hat Yai recording a staggering 335mm of rain in a single day—its heaviest downpour in three centuries. The floods have killed at least 18 people and affected over two million across the country, stranding thousands who are now awaiting rescue from rooftops.
Military Mobilizes for Relief
With the vast majority of victims cut off from help, the Thai military has taken charge of the crisis. In an unprecedented move, the navy is preparing to dispatch an aircraft carrier and a flotilla of 14 ships to function as a “floating hospital” and deliver essential supplies. The operation also includes boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis for evacuations.
Despite these efforts, rescue groups are overwhelmed. The Matchima Rescue Center reported receiving thousands of calls for help. On social media, desperate pleas paint a dire picture: families trapped on upper floors without food or water, and children navigating perilous routes to safety—a viral clip showed three young boys inching along power lines above rising brown waters.
A Regional Catastrophe
The disaster extends beyond Thailand’s borders:
- Vietnam has reported a death toll of 98 in the past week.
- Malaysia has evacuated more than 19,000 people, with rescue teams wading through knee-deep water to reach those in cut-off areas.
While the Thai cabinet has declared the hardest-hit province a disaster zone to free up funds, the scale of the flooding means many, like those posting urgent messages online with dying phone batteries, are still waiting for the help they desperately need.
By James Kisoo
