Songkhla: Heavy rain has left Hat Yai District almost entirely submerged, with floodwaters reaching unprecedented depths in some areas. The economic hub of southern Thailand is experiencing its worst flooding in decades, with some locations recording water levels as deep as three meters due to a historic rainfall of 595 mm over three days, surpassing the severe floods of 2000 and 2010.
According to Thai News Agency, the deluge, originating from Khao Kho Hong and Khao Kaeo, has devastated key areas, particularly Khuan Lang Subdistrict, Tha Chalung Subdistrict, and Thung Tam Sao Subdistrict. In Khuan Lang, which neighbors Hat Yai Municipality, all 41 communities are facing significant flooding, with some regions experiencing water levels reaching up to three meters. In communities like Hua Non Nok, Wang Khwan, Thung Khlong Song, and Muang Khom, water levels are nearing the rooftops, forcing residents to evacuate to higher ground.
Efforts led by Mr. Somboon Panyathanakorn, mayor of Kuan Lang Municipality, are underway to assist residents, particularly patients in need of urgent evacuation. With only three boats and two military vehicles available, resources are stretched thin, highlighting the urgent need for additional support. Meanwhile, water levels on the old Phetkasem Road, a vital route from Hat Yai to Rattaphum District, remain impassable for small vehicles. The downtown business area, including Kim Yong Market near Odeon Mall, is also inundated, with floodwaters reaching knee-deep levels.
The Khlong Wa intersection, a critical low-lying area leading to inner Hat Yai, is flooded on both sides. While some vehicles can navigate through, extreme caution is advised due to the hazardous conditions. In response to the escalating crisis, Hat Yai Mayor Narongporn Na Phatthalung has expanded the affected zones from 65 to 103 communities, as the latest cumulative rainfall figures mark a new record high.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced power outages impacting 16 flood-affected areas since 9:00 a.m., with the potential for additional outages as safety concerns persist. Residents are urged to stay updated with official announcements from the government and the PEA.
A looming threat remains as the floodwaters from Khao Kho Hong and Khao Kaeo do not account for potential overflow from Khlong R.1, Hat Yai District’s main waterway. With the water level in Khlong R.1 only 50 centimeters from its banks, any overflow could exacerbate the current flooding situation, potentially surpassing the catastrophic levels seen in 2000 and 2010 when floods caused extensive damage in late November, impacting the economy significantly.
In the wake of the major flood in 2000, the Chamber of Commerce estimated economic damages at 10 billion baht. A decade later, the Bank of Thailand reported damages totaling 20 billion baht due to the 2010 floods, underscoring the severe economic impact of such natural disasters on the region.