Southern Thailand under water, hundreds of thousands affected

Heavy rainfalls, affecting the southern Thailand since December 1, 2016, produced severe flooding across the region and claimed lives of at least 14 people by December 6. Over 582 300 people have been affected.

Torrential downpours caused the rivers to swell and flood several provinces, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phatthalung, Pattani, Chumphon, Krabi, Trang, Yala, and Narathiwat. Media reported 88 districts across 11 provinces are currently affected by the floods. 

Intense rainfalls have affected about 80% of the southern part of the country. In Nakhon Si Thammarat alone, at least 18 districts are covered by the flood waters and 1 245 local villages are affected. Train services have been disrupted due to flooding conditions.

Video credit: Roman Paulov via YouTube

Video credit: Alex Ledak via YouTube

Two villages in Khao Phanom districts have been reportedly evacuated, following the floods.

According to Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a government spokesman, Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Thai Prime Minister has urged the relief and mitigation agencies to join their efforts in speeding up aid delivery to those affected.

Video credit: Number12 via YouTube

All available government forces, including military, police and local administration are cooperating in pumping the water out of the inhabited regions.

According to forecasters, the southern Thailand should be ready for further possible flooding, as more heavy rainfalls are on the way.

Over 582 343 people have been affected. Three are still missing.

Featured image credit: Number12 via YouTube