Hat Yai, Thailand, November 28, 2025
Southern Thailand is grappling with catastrophic flooding caused by unprecedented rainfall, marking a once-in-300-years event that has claimed at least 33 lives and affected nearly 3 million people across 10 provinces, including the severely impacted city of Hat Yai.
The city of Hat Yai recorded its heaviest rainfall in three centuries, with floodwaters reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters. The flooding has overwhelmed local infrastructure, submerging homes and roads, and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Over two million residents in the region are currently enduring the crisis.
In response, Thai military and naval forces have launched extensive rescue operations. Helicopters are evacuating stranded residents, and rescue teams are conducting rooftop evacuations amid the rising waters. Emergency personnel continue to work around the clock to provide relief to isolated communities.
Scientists link the extreme weather event to climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures are intensifying monsoon seasons and increasing the frequency of severe weather patterns in Southeast Asia. This flood exemplifies the escalating risks the region faces amid a changing climate.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall and waves up to 3 meters high, raising concerns about additional flooding and landslides. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and prepared for worsening conditions.
This disaster highlights the urgent need for enhanced climate adaptation strategies and disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure. The unfolding events in Southern Thailand serve as a stark reminder of the global challenge posed by escalating climate-driven natural disasters.