Thailand is moving swiftly to confront one of its most severe flood emergencies in years, preparing to deploy an aircraft carrier loaded with relief supplies, medical teams, and emergency equipment to the country’s battered southern region. Non-stop torrential rain has triggered devastating floods that have already claimed 13 lives and severely disrupted ongoing rescue operations.
Floodwaters reaching up to 2 metres have inundated nine provinces in Thailand and eight states in neighbouring Malaysia, spreading across a region repeatedly hit by deadly monsoon seasons. Just last year, similar floods claimed 12 lives. This year’s crisis threatens to surpass that devastation.
The Royal Thai Navy announced it is mobilizing 14 relief vessels and the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet, equipped with helicopters, medical personnel, emergency food supplies, and mobile kitchens capable of serving up to 3,000 meals per day. The vessel will also function as a floating hospital for badly hit communities.
Authorities estimate that 1.9 million people have been affected, with meteorologists warning of continuous heavy rainfall, flash floods, and sea waves exceeding 3 metres. Small boats have been advised to remain ashore as conditions worsen.
Rescue groups, including the Matchima Rescue Center in Hat Yai, report overwhelming distress calls.
“Calls have been coming in non-stop in the last three days, in the thousands,” one volunteer said. “People need evacuation, food, everything.”
Hat Yai — Thailand’s fifth-largest city and a major rubber-trading hub — has been especially devastated, receiving 335 mm of rain in a single day, the highest in 300 years. Streets have turned into rivers, cars lie submerged, and emergency boats navigate through once-busy commercial districts to reach stranded residents.
On social media, pleas for help are growing more desperate.
“We are five people and a small child without rice and water,” one resident wrote. “Phone reception has been cut — water is rising fast.”
Across the border, Malaysia has moved more than 18,500 people to evacuation centres, with Perlis, Kelantan, and northern regions hit the hardest. Rescue teams are wading through knee-deep water and navigating boats to pull families — especially the elderly — to safety.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysians to prioritize evacuation orders, calling this “a difficult and challenging time” and emphasizing the need for maximum government support.
Economists warn the floods may significantly disrupt Thailand’s rubber industry — one of the world’s top producers — with early estimates suggesting a loss of 10,300 tons of output.
Meanwhile, thousands continue posting urgent appeals online as floodwaters rise rapidly into second floors of homes.
“Pray. Please help,” wrote one stranded resident, trapped with two elderly family members.
In moments like these, humanity shines through the strongest — in every rescue, every shared meal, every call answered. These stories remind us that no crisis is weathered alone. Communities rise, nations respond, and together, people find strength to endure what nature brings.
