Severe floods in South Thailand claims 8 lives, impacts thousands
Severe flooding has engulfed five southern provinces of Thailand, devastating 47 districts and affecting more than 128,000 households. The death toll has tragically increased to eight as the region grapples with this natural disaster.
The floods hit the Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Samui districts in Surat Thani the hardest yesterday, December 16. These areas are at the core of the crisis, along with Chumphon, Ranong, and Phatthalung. Other southern provinces like Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat have also been impacted, albeit less severely.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that the five provinces most affected have seen floodwaters inundate 47 districts, 274 tambons, and 1,998 villages, disrupting 128,035 households. The floods in these areas have accounted for eight deaths.
Overall, the flooding has impacted 702 districts and 5,050 villages across 11 provinces in the south, affecting 737,091 households and resulting in 35 fatalities.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, relentless heavy rainfall continues to cause flooding. The Tha Sala district is particularly affected, with floodwaters toppling power poles and submerging key roads, leading to widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.
Economic centres, such as Mueang district, are submerged, with water levels reaching between 100 and 120 centimetres in low-lying areas. Highway 401, a major route connecting Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, is closed to smaller vehicles due to flooding.
Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district experienced severe overnight rainfall, leading to floods in several areas. Runoff from nearby mountains swept through villages and commercial areas, crippling transportation networks. Many roads are impassable, schools remain closed, and tourists are advised to plan additional travel time to reach airports and ferry terminals.
Southern flood
A landslide in Tambon Maret claimed the lives of two Myanmar construction workers, 19 year old Aung Ko Ko, and 39 year old Moe Zet.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, highlighted the government’s readiness to tackle the crisis. Emergency funds have been allocated to affected zones, and military engineers have been deployed to assist with relief efforts.
Local governors and disaster response teams have been instructed to prioritise saving lives, distribute emergency supplies, and expedite repairs to infrastructure, reported Bangkok Post.
“The intense flooding is driven by changing natural conditions, posing a new threat that must be considered when mapping out national security plans.”
Deputy Interior Minister Sabeeda Thaiset and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul are scheduled to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani today to evaluate flood-related damage and provide essential support to local officials and residents.
