In a devastating turn of events, Thailand is grappling with unusually severe flooding that has claimed at least 33 lives. The classic business hub of Hat Yai recorded an astonishing 335mm of rainfall in just one day, marking the heaviest downpour in over 300 years.
Images from the region depict submerged vehicles and buildings, while many residents can be seen clinging to rooftops while awaiting rescue. The crisis has prompted the deployment of military ships and helicopters to aid in rescue and relief efforts.
Conditions are dire not only in Thailand. Neighboring Vietnam has seen the death toll rise to 98 fatalities due to similar torrential rains, and over 19,000 people in Malaysia have had to evacuate their homes. In Indonesia, landslides in North Sumatra have reportedly killed at least 19 individuals.
Despite the plight of over 2 million affected in Thailand, only about 13,000 individuals have been moved to shelters. Most remain stranded and cut off from aid, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
To address the escalating crisis, the Thai military is preparing to send an aircraft carrier and a fleet of 14 boats filled with essential supplies. They are also set to establish field kitchens capable of providing 3,000 meals daily and convert the aircraft carrier into a floating hospital if necessary.
Eyewitness accounts from social media reveal desperate calls for assistance, with residents trapped on upper floors of their homes, some without food or clean water for days. Reports describe people attempting to escape rising waters by precariously navigating power lines.
In Malaysia, emergency responders are engaged in aggressive rescue operations, wading through thigh-deep floodwaters to reach communities isolated by the urgent rise of water levels.
This year's heavy seasonal rains have been dramatically exacerbated, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.
