Rain havoc: Four southern provinces swamped by floods (video)
Four southern Thai provinces are battling major flooding after a deluge that’s thrown daily life into chaos and knocked out key transport links, leaving thousands of families high and dry.
Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and Surat Thani are bearing the brunt of relentless rain, with deluges forcing a halt to many bus and train services.
Pasakorn Boonyalak, Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, revealed that a staggering 43,595 families across these regions have felt the flood’s fury.
The situation is dire in Chumphon’s districts of Muang, Pathiu, Sawi, and Thung Tako, while Nakhon Si Thammarat is no better off, with waters engulfing Cha-uat, Chalerm Prakiat, Chang Klang, Chian Yai, Khanom, Muang, Nop Phitam, Pak Phanang, Phra Phrom, Sichon, and Tha Sala.
Ranong hasn’t escaped nature’s wrath either, impacting Kraburi, La-un, and Muang, while Surat Thani finds itself underwater in Don Sak, Kanchanadit, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Muang, Tha Chana, and Tha Chang. A landslide in Koh Samui has intensified the crisis, resulting in two Myanmar workers missing at a local construction site.
As floodwaters begin to recede in Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Ranong, the outlook in Surat Thani remains grim, Pasakorn said.
“Flooding has caused widespread disruption, impacting both daily life and essential services.”
The State Railway of Thailand has had to pull the brakes on numerous train services, including Special Express, Express, Rapid, and freight trains, leaving Bangkok-bound routes heading to Hat Yai, Kantang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Padang Besar, Sungai Kolok, Trang, and Yala stalled in their tracks. Some trains are now terminating at Chumphon, while others reroute to combat the watery chaos, said a State Railway of Thailand spokesperson
“We’re managing disruptions by rerouting some services.”
Inter-provincial bus services aren’t untouched by the deluge either. Transport Co has detoured its lower southern region buses via Highway 4 instead of the flooded Highway 41, bypassing affected areas but causing dreaded delays, added the spokesperson
“Efforts are being made to mitigate delays and ensure safety for travellers.”
The floods underscore the broader challenges in tackling natural disasters, demanding ongoing vigilance and resilience from authorities as they navigate nature’s unpredictable path.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Voice of America reports severe flooding in southern Thailand has displaced over 30,000 individuals and resulted in 29 deaths, with ongoing rainfall expected to exacerbate the crisis and impact mental health. (read more)
- Bangkok Post reports over 130,000 households in southern Thailand are grappling with severe flooding due to ongoing heavy rain, prompting evacuation measures and transport disruptions as authorities warn of rising water levels. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why do southern Thai provinces experience such severe flooding annually?
Monsoons and tropical storms frequently impact southern Thailand, exacerbating flooding due to geographical and climatic conditions.
How could infrastructure improvements mitigate future flood disruptions in Thailand?
Enhanced drainage systems and elevated transport routes could reduce the impact of floodwaters on essential services and daily life.
What if Thailand implemented advanced flood prediction models?
Accurate predictions could enable better disaster preparedness, minimizing disruptions and enhancing public safety during flood events.
What role do climate change effects play in the increasing flood incidents in Thailand?
Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, contribute to more frequent and severe flooding.
How can local communities in Thailand adapt to recurring flood challenges?
Communities can develop adaptive strategies like flood-resilient housing, emergency response plans, and sustainable land management practices.
