Thailand Military Airlifts Patients, Rushes Supplies as Floods Kill 33
Thai military conducts massive rescue and relief operations as southern floods leave 33 dead and tens of thousands displaced
- Southern Thailand hit by historic floods; 33 dead and thousands stranded
- Military deploys helicopters, boats, and aircraft carrier to rescue and deliver aid
- Floods also affect Malaysia and Indonesia; global warming may worsen such disasters
Thailand has airlifted patients and flown critical supplies, including oxygen tanks, into its southern city of Hat Yai, as devastating floods claimed 33 lives across seven provinces.
The disaster marks some of the worst flooding in years in the region.
Heavy rains have inundated nine Thai provinces and eight Malaysian states, forcing nearly 50,000 people to evacuate in both countries. Indonesia has also suffered, with 8–13 deaths from floods and landslides this week, while Malaysia reports one fatality.
The flooding followed three days of torrential rain, with Hat Yai receiving 335 mm in a single day—the highest in 300 years—flooding hospitals and leaving thousands stranded on rooftops.
The Thai military mobilized boats, helicopters, and even its lone aircraft carrier to deliver emergency aid and evacuate the sick. Residents reported waist-high waters, blackouts, and fast-moving currents that hampered rescue efforts.
Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed the death toll, citing causes including drowning, electrocution, landslides, and being swept away by currents. Authorities have received help requests from around 77,000 people through social media.
Military helicopters dropped generators, oxygen tanks, and water to stranded residents, while boats navigated flooded neighborhoods to rescue those trapped in homes. Despite receding waters in some areas, strong currents continue to hinder operations.
Experts warn that global warming and rising sea temperatures may make such extreme weather events more frequent, worsening the impact of tropical storms in the region.
