Thailand is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years as severe floods across the southern provinces have claimed at least 33 lives, according to updates from Reuters, shared via the HT News Desk.
Continuous heavy rainfall has submerged entire districts, left thousands stranded, and damaged critical infrastructure, prompting authorities to escalate rescue and relief operations.
The Thai government has now approved emergency airlifts for critical patients, especially those in remote or cut-off areas, as hospitals struggle with power outages, flooded access roads, and overwhelmed emergency rooms.
Critical Patients to Be Airlifted
Authorities announced that:
Emergency helicopters will transport patients needing urgent medical care
Medical teams are being deployed to temporary shelters
High-risk groups — elderly, children, dialysis patients, and those with chronic illnesses — will be prioritised
Power backup units are being sent to submerged healthcare centres
The decision comes after several hospitals reported their ICU and emergency wards running dangerously low on resources.
Scale of Devastation Across Southern Thailand
The worst-affected provinces include:
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Phatthalung
Trang
Surat Thani
Songkhla
Flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels have forced over 250,000 people to evacuate to safer areas.
Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as search teams reach previously inaccessible locations.
Rescue & Relief Operations Intensify
The government has deployed:
Military boats
Disaster response units
Volunteer rescue teams
Mobile kitchens and relief camps
Food, clean water, medicine, and blankets are being distributed as thousands remain displaced.
Several highways and railway tracks are underwater, disrupting transportation.
Weather Forecast: More Rain Expected
Meteorological agencies have warned of:
Continued heavy rainfall
Possible landslides in hilly regions
Dangerous river overflow over the next 48 hours
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate immediately.
Impact on Infrastructure & Economy
The floods have caused:
Severe damage to homes and shops
Power outages in multiple districts
Disruption of farming activities
Economic losses running into millions
Halted tourism in coastal locations
Thailand’s disaster management department is conducting an assessment to estimate the full extent of damage.
FAQs
1. How many people have died in the Thailand floods?
At least 33 people, according to early reports.
2. Why is Thailand airlifting critical patients?
Because access to hospitals is cut off and medical facilities are overwhelmed or flooded.
3. Which regions are most affected?
Southern provinces like Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani, and Songkhla.
4. Are more rains expected?
Yes, meteorologists warn of continued heavy rainfall.
5. How many people are displaced?
Over 250,000 have evacuated due to severe flooding.
Published on : 26th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: Content inspired by Reuters reporting, via HT News Desk.