SONGKHLA, Thailand – Severe flooding across nine southern provinces—from Surat Thani to Narathiwat—has disrupted public infrastructure and environmental systems, with Songkhla province among the hardest hit. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported that all solid-waste disposal sites remain structurally sound, though waste transport to certain areas has been delayed due to flood-related access issues.
Among 23 community wastewater-treatment facilities in affected areas, three—located in Hat Yai district, Songkha’s capital district, and Yala’s capital district—have experienced minor disruptions. Assessment teams are being deployed to evaluate the damage and accelerate repairs to restore normal operations.
Water quality monitoring is underway, with the Office of Environment and Pollution Control Region 16 collecting samples from 11 locations, including Songkhla Lake, U-Taphao Canal, and various waterways in Ranot district. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 0.0 to 4.2 mg/L, indicating poor to fair conditions. Turbidity varied widely, likely due to sediment from flood runoff, while pH, conductivity, and salinity remained within normal ranges.
Further laboratory testing is being conducted to analyze organic pollution, bacteria levels, and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations. These findings will support environmental assessments and guide post-flood water management planning.
Waste collection in Songkhla is progressing, with 8,001 tons gathered as of December 1. Major collection points include Hat Yai’s Saphan Dam transfer site and the TPI Waste-to-Energy Plant. In addition, 8,540 liters of bio-fermented liquid (EM solution) have been produced to help control odors from stagnant water, with nearly 6,000 liters already distributed to local agencies. (NNT)
