Thailand is battling severe monsoon flooding as rescue teams move people to safety across multiple provinces. Over a dozen people are dead and the major response has included the deployment of an aircraft carrier.
Severe rainfall caused destructive flooding in southern Thailand, leaving the tourist city of Hat Yai waist-deep underwater and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in Songkhla province on Tuesday.
Officials said at least 13 people have been killed across four flood-hit provinces.
How is Thailand responding to the floods?
Also on Tuesday, Thailand prepared to deploy a naval flotilla of 14 boats and the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet, which will carry helicopters, medical teams, supplies and field kitchens capable of producing 3,000 meals a day.
“The fleet is ready to deliver forces and carry out actions as the Royal Navy orders,” the navy said in a statement, adding that the carrier could serve as a floating hospital.
The national meteorological agency has warned of continued heavy rain and possible flash floods, advising small boats to remain ashore due to expected wave heights above three meters.
Television footage showed rescue teams in Hat Yai evacuating people using boats, jetskis and military trucks amid high water levels. Some families used inflatable children’s pools to move their children to safety. The provincial administration said more than 1,200 people had been rescued from flooded homes, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced additional boats and trucks to assist evacuation efforts.
Thailand regularly experiences heavy monsoon rains between June and September, but experts say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather. Days of torrential rain since late last week have left parts of Hat Yai and surrounding areas submerged, with evacuations still under way.
Source : https://www.dw.com/en/deadly-floods-hit-southern-thailand-after-heavy-rains/a-74897131
