Trang Province Declares Disaster Zone as Floodwaters Reach Nearly Two Meters

Trang: The flooding situation in the South has taken a critical turn as Trang Province declares four districts as disaster zones, with floodwaters reaching nearly two meters in some areas. Residents are being urged to evacuate, especially in the Ra-ngae District of Narathiwat Province, where rising water levels in the Tanyong Mas Canal threaten homes and infrastructure.

According to Thai News Agency, Satun Province has also declared a disaster zone across seven districts. Emergency officials are working tirelessly to evacuate villagers, many of whom are hesitant to leave their homes, hoping for the water to recede. In one instance, local authorities, including the mayor of Khuan Kalong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, successfully rescued four children, two adults, and a bedridden patient trapped by strong currents in Khuan Kalong District.

The worst-hit area in Satun is Langu District, where severe flooding has prompted local military assistance to evacuate as many residents as possible.

In Trang Province, the districts of Na Yong, Yan Ta Khao, Ratsada, and Huai Yot have been severely affected. Yan Ta Khao Subdistrict Municipality, receiving water from the Banthat mountain range, has seen over 1,000 homes submerged for two days. While some water levels are receding, many roads remain flooded, with Phetkasem Road in front of Yan Ta Khao Market still challenging for small vehicles to navigate.

Yan Ta Khao Subdistrict Municipality and other district officials, along with soldiers from Phraya Ratsadanupradit Camp, have set up makeshift kitchens to prepare meals for affected residents. Due to power outages, food distribution has become a critical issue, forcing families to use boats and ropes to access supplies. The persistent rain suggests that flooding may continue for another 1-2 days.

In Ra-ngae District, Narathiwat Province, continuous heavy rain has caused water levels in the Tanyong Mas Canal to rise rapidly, flooding homes in Tanyong Mas, Bangosato, and Kalisa sub-districts. The Deputy Governor of Narathiwat and the 45th Ranger Regiment Task Force are actively working to assist and evacuate the affected 2,247 households, which include 9,644 people. Infrastructure damage is evident, with five schools flooded and three roads, including the area around Darus Bridge, severely impacted.

As water levels in Khlong Tanyong Mas rise at an alarming rate, residents are being warned to move belongings to higher ground and evacuate to nearby shelters. The district office is coordinating with local leaders to ensure the safety of all residents, as water from upstream continues to flow into the canal.

Overall, the southern region’s flood situation remains under close scrutiny across 10 provinces, affecting over 563,568 households. Emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation closely to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of residents.