Once-in-300-Years Rain Floods Thai City, Hits Region
November, 26, 2025 - 09:09
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Record floods in southern Thailand have killed at least 18 people and forced authorities to deploy military ships and helicopters for relief.
The deluge has affected 10 southern provinces over the past week.
Hat Yai, a major business hub near the Malaysia border, recorded its heaviest rainfall in 300 years.
The city saw 335 mm of rain in a single day. Images showed cars and homes submerged as residents waited for rescue on rooftops.
Flooding has also devastated neighboring countries. In Vietnam, the death toll rose to 91 over the past week.
In Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been driven from their homes. More than 2 million people across Thailand have been affected by the floods.
Only about 13,000 have been moved to shelters. Most others remain cut off and unable to receive help, according to Reuters.
The Thai military, tasked with managing the crisis, said it was preparing to deploy an aircraft carrier and 14 supply boats.
The vessels will carry relief goods and field kitchens capable of producing 3,000 meals a day.
The navy said medical teams on board could convert the carrier into a “floating hospital” if needed.
Boats, high-clearance trucks and jet skis have also been used to evacuate residents. This was confirmed by the governor of Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located.
On Tuesday, the cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone. The move freed up additional funds for emergency response.
Despite this, many people remain stranded as floodwaters continue to rise.
The volunteer group Matchima Rescue Center told Reuters it had received thousands of calls for help over the past three days.
People also posted urgent requests on Matchima’s Facebook page.
“Many people are trapped... Please help,” one user wrote.
“It’s very difficult right now. The water has reached the second floor, where there are children, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled!!!”
Another resident said his family had been waiting three days for assistance.
“Every second is crucial now... Please help share. My (phone’s) battery is at 40%. Thank you everyone,” he wrote.
Some also said they had been without food and water for several days.
A viral video showed three boys clinging to power lines as muddy floodwaters surged below them.
In Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been evacuated to safety. Authorities have set up 126 evacuation centers in northern border regions.
In the states of Kelantan and Perlis, rescue teams waded through knee-deep water.
They evacuated residents from areas where rising floods had cut off road access.
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/11/26/3456760/once-in-300-years-rain-floods-thai-city-hits-region
