Parts of Thailand are enduring catastrophic flooding, with at least 33 deaths reported and authorities mobilizing military ships and helicopters for emergency relief. Over the past week, torrential rains have inundated ten southern provinces, including Hat Yai, a major commercial center near the Malaysian border. The city experienced its heaviest rainfall in 300 years — 335mm within 24 hours, leaving homes and cars underwater and forcing residents onto rooftops awaiting rescue. The extreme weather has also battered neighboring countries. In Vietnam, the death toll climbed to 98 in just one week, while in Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been displaced. In Thailand alone, more than 2 million people have been affected by the flooding, yet only 13,000 have been relocated to official shelters, leaving most without access to assistance, according to Reuters. To respond to the crisis, the Thai military is deploying a relief fleet — including an aircraft carrier that may be converted into a floating medical center — along with 14 supply vessels, mobile kitchens capable of producing 3,000 meals daily, and specialized disaster-response teams. Boats, high-clearance transport vehicles, and jet skis are also being used to reach stranded communities. The government has declared Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located, a disaster zone, opening avenues for emergency funding and aid distribution. However, despite these efforts, thousands remain isolated by high waters. The Matchima Rescue Center reports receiving an overwhelming number of pleas for evacuation as residents continue to await assistance.
