Severe floods in Thailand leave 1,000+ tourists stranded as Hat Yai declared disaster zone
<p>Southern Thailand is battling one of its worst flood emergencies in decades after relentless monsoon rains devastated major districts, prompting officials to declare <strong>Hat Yai</strong> a <strong>disaster zone</strong> and urgently deploy rescue resources. Authorities confirmed that more than <strong>1,000 tourists</strong>, including visitors from <strong>Malaysia and Singapore</strong>, were stranded in hotels and at the airport as roads transformed into rivers and vital infrastructure collapsed under rising floodwaters.</p><p>The severe flooding follows days of heavy downpours caused by a powerful <strong>monsoon trough combined with a La Niña-driven low-pressure system</strong>, which has battered the region since <strong>November 19</strong>. According to local meteorological reports, the city of Hat Yai recorded an extraordinary <strong>335 mm of rainfall on November 21</strong> — the <strong>heaviest level in over 300 years</strong> — leading to dramatic overflow from the <strong>U-Taphao Canal</strong> and tributaries originating from the <strong>Khao Kho Hong mountain range</strong>.</p><p>The volume of water surpassed well-known historic flood peaks recorded in <strong>2000 and 2010</strong>, overwhelming flood control systems and preventing drainage in the low-lying commercial hub. Within hours, streets, homes, markets and shopping areas were submerged up to <strong>2.5 meters deep</strong>, leaving communities trapped without access to essential services.</p><h3><strong>Mass displacement and economic damage</strong></h3><p>The scale of impact across the region is staggering. Officials reported that flooding has affected <strong>more than 465,000 people</strong> across <strong>16 districts in Songkhla Province</strong>, while total displacement across 10 southern provinces has reached <strong>1.9 million residents</strong>. Water treatment facilities were forced to shut down, and widespread power and internet outages added to the chaos. At least <strong>one fatality</strong> has been confirmed so far.</p><p>Early assessments estimate economic losses in Hat Yai alone to exceed <strong>500 million baht (approximately $15.4 million)</strong>, with businesses reporting unprecedented damage to stock, equipment, and infrastructure.</p><h3><strong>Tourists stranded as transport collapses</strong></h3><p>More than <strong>1,000 tourists</strong> remain stuck across hotels and Hat Yai International Airport after major road routes and key transportation access points were cut off by rising floods. Social media images showed <strong>Sripoovanart Road</strong> completely underwater, with large billboards protruding above submerged cars—an image symbolising the shock and speed of the disaster.</p><p>Stranded travellers reported long delays for emergency pickup, food shortages in some areas, and airport restrictions caused by runway flooding.</p><h3><strong>Authorities escalate emergency response</strong></h3><p>In response to the escalating crisis, <strong>Songkhla Governor Rathasat Cherdchu</strong> officially declared Hat Yai a <strong>red-flag disaster zone</strong> on Monday, instructing full evacuations by the evening of <strong>November 24</strong>. Emergency shelters are now set up at <strong>local universities, naval bases, and government centres</strong> as residents flee submerged homes.</p><p>Rescue teams with military support have been dispatched using boats and amphibious vehicles. Emergency crews are delivering bottled water, food supplies, blankets and medical assistance to isolated communities. Thailand’s <strong>Tourism and Sports Ministry</strong> is coordinating directly with foreign embassies to support stranded travellers and arrange transportation once conditions stabilise.</p><h3><strong>Flood levels expected to peak</strong></h3><p>Weather specialists warn that <strong>flood peaks are expected early November 25</strong>, while rain remains in the forecast throughout the week. Authorities advise the public to remain indoors, avoid travel and follow updates closely as further flash flooding remains possible.</p><p>The disaster also reignites debate over flood preparedness in Thailand. Experts say the region has experienced a worrying pattern of <strong>“flood after flood”</strong> events due to climate variability, rapid urbanisation, and insufficient long-term water management strategies. Calls are growing to accelerate post-2000 water infrastructure upgrades, especially around the <strong>R.1 Canal expansion project</strong>, to build lasting community resilience.</p><h3><strong>Climate and infrastructure challenges ahead</strong></h3><p>Urban planners warn that southern Thailand’s vulnerability will worsen unless investment in sustainable water systems, smart drainage networks, and climate forecasting technology increases. Hat Yai, considered a major commercial and logistics hub near the Malaysian border, relies heavily on regional tourism and trade. Extended flooding threatens long recovery periods, supply chain disruption, and severe long-term economic effects.</p><p>As government agencies work around the clock to stabilise the crisis, emergency support remains focused on ensuring public safety, restoring utilities and clearing transportation routes. Communities now anxiously await improving weather conditions and hope that the worst of the flooding has already passed.</p>