SONGKHLA, Thailand – Songkhla province remains under severe flood conditions, with all 16 districts submerged after days of intense rainfall driven by a strong monsoon trough and the northeast monsoon. According to the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center, flooding as of late November 24 has affected large portions of the province’s population and continues to expand across both urban and rural areas.
Survey data shows extensive impact across 115 subdistricts, 823 villages, and 200 communities, affecting 270,906 households and more than 697,000 residents. Two fatalities have been reported, and more than 1,200 people have been evacuated. Hat Yai, Sadao, Rattaphum, Chana, and Na Mom remain the most severely affected, with Hat Yai experiencing major inundation from overflow along the U-Tapao Canal. Hat Yai alone accounts for over 243,000 affected residents and 2,050 evacuees.
Three large temporary shelters have been opened: Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, and Municipal 4 School (Wat Khlong Rian). Current occupancy levels vary: Prince of Songkla University is sheltering 1,500 people, Songkhla Rajabhat University is accommodating 50, and the municipal school is operating at full capacity.
Provincial authorities, military units, DDPM teams, local governments, rescue foundations, and volunteers have mobilized extensive resources to support evacuations, distribute supplies, and assist with traffic and property protection. Equipment deployed includes 86 water pumps, 44 flat-bottom boats, 21 inflatable boats, 83 high-clearance vehicles, 74 large trucks, six field kitchens, a mobile cooking truck, and a helicopter conducting aerial assessments. More than 121,000 meal boxes and water sets, over 14,000 relief kits, and more than 3,300 medical supply kits have been distributed. Two royal kitchen units are operating at the 42nd Military Circle and the Royal Thai Navy Area 2 in Hat Yai.
Damage assessments show two homes destroyed, more than 1,000 homes partially damaged, and dozens of schools, temples, government buildings, roads, and bridges impacted. Over 37,000 rai of agricultural land have been flooded. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through November 25, keeping the risk of flash flooding and runoff high. Although conditions are forecast to ease from November 26 to 29, authorities stress the need for continuous monitoring and urge residents to closely follow official advisories. (NNT)
