BANGKOK — Receding floodwaters in southern Thailand are revealing widespread devastation as the official death toll rose to 145, with authorities warning that the full scale of the disaster is only now becoming clear.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains across 12 provinces, have affected 1.2 million households and 3.6 million people. The southern province of Songkhla has been the hardest hit, accounting for at least 110 of the fatalities.
As water levels subside, rescue teams are gaining access to previously submerged areas and recovering more victims, particularly in the major city of Hat Yai.
The landscape left behind is one of severe destruction. News footage and photos show damaged roads, fallen power poles, and streets littered with debris, overturned cars, and ruined household appliances.
While rainfall has decreased and waters have receded in most areas, the recovery effort is just beginning, with the government assessing the immense damage to infrastructure and communities.
By James Kisoo
