Thailand Faces Historic Floods as Monsoon Rains Devastate Southeast Asia

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:45:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Record rainfall in Thailand leads to catastrophic floods, claiming lives and displacing thousands across the region.

Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, is reeling from unprecedented flooding due to relentless monsoon rains. In a historic event, Hat Yai city recorded 335mm of rain in a single day, marking the heaviest in 300 years. Authorities are deploying military assistance, with multiple fatalities reported and many residents stranded. The flood crisis has also affected neighboring countries, leading to widespread casualties and evacuations.

Parts of Thailand are battling record floods, which have killed at least 33 people and prompted authorities to deploy military ships and helicopters to support relief efforts.

The deluge has hit 10 provinces across the country's south over the past week, with the city of Hat Yai, a business hub bordering Malaysia, recording its heaviest rainfall in 300 years - 335mm in a single day.

Photos show vehicles and houses submerged in the city, while desperate residents await rescue on their rooftops.

Relentless rains have also ravaged neighbouring countries. In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to 98 in a week, while in Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been forced from their homes.

In Indonesia, at least 19 people have been killed with reports of several others buried under landslides in North Sumatra, according to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency.

More than 2 million people in Thailand have been affected by the floods, but just 13,000 have been relocated to shelters. The vast majority remain cut off and unable to receive assistance, as noted by Reuters.

The Thai military, which has been tasked with managing the crisis, has plans to deploy an aircraft carrier and a flotilla of 14 boats loaded with relief supplies, along with field kitchens capable of delivering 3,000 meals daily.

Medical teams will convert the aircraft carrier into a floating hospital if necessary, as stated by the navy.

Boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis have been mobilized for evacuations, according to the governor of Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located. The cabinet recently declared Songkhla a disaster zone to expedite relief funding.

However, many residents are still stranded amid rapidly rising waters. A local volunteer rescue group has reported overwhelming calls for help, as numerous individuals request evacuation.

On social media, people have shared urgent cries for assistance, highlighting the dire conditions of those trapped without food and water. Some residents report being stranded for days, facing life-threatening situations.

The severe flooding has not only impacted Thailand but has spread across the region, with Malaysia also conducting evacuations amidst rising waters.

Heavy seasonal rain is common this time of year in Southeast Asia, yet the intensity and extent of this flooding have surpassed previous records, indicating a severe weather crisis affecting millions.