SONGKHLA — Screams for help from flood-stricken residents filled the air in Hat Yai of this heavily inundated southern border province from Monday night, leading to a complete evacuation order for the entire district.
Historically high rainfall and torrents from higher areas near Hat Yai prompted Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo to mandate the total evacuation on Monday.
However, many residents waited in vain for rescue vehicles. Rescue workers urged the government to expedite evacuation efforts, as they were outnumbered by victims in need of assistance.
Continuous calls for evacuation echoed from submerged buildings in the main business district, while rescuers in inflatable boats passed by. Many victims reached out for help via social media, reporting bed-ridden patients, elderly relatives and young children stranded with them.
Those affected, with first floors fully submerged, faced challenges with communication, internet access and power for their mobile phones.
The army and navy announced the deployment of personnel, resources and supplies to assist flood victims in Hat Yai and other flooded areas in the South. The army provided inflatable boats and trucks, while the navy dispatched personnel and resources, including helicopters from HTMS Chakri Naruebet.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on Tuesday morning that flooding persisted in nine southern provinces, with rising water levels in most areas.
Flooding was reported in the following nine provinces:
- Surat Thani: Tha Chang, Kanchanadit and Khian Sa districts
- Nakhon Si Thammarat: Cha-uat, Muang, Tha Sala, Phrommakhiri, Ron Phibun, Na Bon, Sichon, Chawang, Thung Song, Chalerm Prakiat, Hua Sai, Lan Saka, Bang Khan, Phra Phrom, Chang Klang, Pak Phanang, Chulabhorn, Nop Phi Tam, Thung Yai, Phipun, Chian Yai and Tham Phannara
- Trang: Na Yong, Huai Yot, Ratsada, Yan Ta Khao, Wang Wiset, Kantang, Muang, Sikao and Palian
- Phatthalung: Muang, Khuan Khanun, Kong Ra, Khao Chaison, Sri Nakarin, Bang Kaew, Pa Bon, Pak Phayun, Sri Banphot, Pa Phayom and Tamot
- Satun: Khuan Don, Langu, Tha Phae, Manang, Khuan Ka Long, Muang and Thung Wa
- Songkhla: Rattaphum, Muang, Chana, Khlong Hoi Khong, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Hat Yai, Khuan Niang, Na Thawi, Singha Nakhon, Na Mom, Bang Klam, Sadao, Thepha and Saba Yoi
- Pattani: Sai Buri, Mae Lan, Khok Pho, Mayo, Yarang, Mai Kaen, Yaring, Panare, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho, Nong Chik and Muang
- Yala: Muang, Raman, Betong, Bannang Sata, Than To, Krong Pinang and Yaha
- Narathiwat: Bacho, Yi-ngo, Muang, Rangae, Tak Bai, Sungai Padi, Sri Sakhon, Rueso, Sungai Kolok, Cho Airong and Sukhirin
The largest number of affected households was in Songkhla (243,568), followed by Nakhon Si Thammarat (223,221).
Flood levels continued to rise in most southern provinces, except Surat Thani, where water levels were declining. Flooded areas continued to expand in Narathiwat and Yala.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that southern floods affected approximately 2.19 million people.
The Meteorological Department indicated that heavy rain would persist in the lower South on Tuesday but was expected to decrease from Wednesday to Sunday.
Elsewhere, overflowing waterways continued to cause flooding in 11 provinces in the North and Central Plains:
In the North, flooding persisted in:
- Phitsanulok: Bang Rakam
- Nakhon Sawan: Chumsaeng, Muang, Phayuha Khiri and Krok Phra
In the Central Plains, the inundation continued in:
- Uthai Thani: Muang district
- Chai Nat: Wat Sing, Manorom, Muang, Sapphaya and Sankhaburi
- Sing Buri: In Buri, Phrom Buri and Muang
- Ang Thong: Pa Mok, Wiset Chai Chan, Chai Yo and Muang
- Suphan Buri: Muang, Bang Pla Ma, Song Phi Nong, U Thong, Sri Prachan, Don Chedi and Doembang Nangbuat
- Ayutthaya: Sena, Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Bang Sai, Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Pahan, Bang Sa-ai, Ban Phraek, Maha Rat, Lat Bua Luang and Nakhon Luang
- Pathum Thani: Sam Khok and Muang
- Nonthaburi: Muang, Pak Kret and Bang Kruai
- Nakhon Pathom: Bang Len, Sam Phran, Nakhon Chaisi, Kamphaeng Saen, Muang, Don Tum and Buddha Monthon
Flood levels were falling in these provinces except for Phitsanulok, where water levels remained stable.
