Thailand, Nov 26 (V7N) — Southern Thailand is reeling from severe flooding triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, leaving at least 13 people dead, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management.

Local media footage from Tuesday (November 25) showed residents trapped in homes, hotels, and shops as water levels rapidly rose. Rescue teams, supported by army trucks and boats, are working around the clock to evacuate stranded people to safety. Many families have resorted to using inflatable objects as makeshift boats to protect their children.

Nine provinces have been inundated after days of relentless rain. Flooding has cut off key road and rail links with the capital, while vast areas — including the major tourist hub of Hat Yai — remain submerged. Waist-deep water has entered the city’s main roads, markets, and residential neighborhoods.

Authorities estimate that about 1.9 million people have been affected so far. The government and navy are distributing relief supplies, although ongoing heavy rain continues to hinder rescue operations. More than 18,000 people have already been moved to emergency shelters in high-risk zones.

Floodwaters have also spilled over into eight regions of neighboring Malaysia, though no casualties have been reported there yet.

Thailand typically experiences its rainy season from June to September. However, this year the country has recorded unprecedented amounts of rainfall outside the usual season. The Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rain and potential flash floods across the southern region throughout the week.

Experts say erratic and extreme weather patterns in Southeast Asia are worsening due to man-made climate change — a trend they fear will intensify in the coming years.

END/SMA/AJ