Thailand launches airlift rescue as floods kill 13 in south
Thai authorities have initiated helicopter rescue operations for residents and tourists stranded by severe flooding in southern Thailand, where the death toll has reached 13. More than 2.1 million people across nine provinces have been affected by the disaster, with thousands of homes submerged and critical infrastructure damaged.
Thailand has launched emergency airlift operations to rescue people trapped by devastating floods in the country's southern region, where rising waters have claimed 13 lives and affected over 2.1 million residents. The crisis has prompted a major military and humanitarian response across nine provinces bordering Malaysia.
Military Deployment to Worst-Hit Areas
The Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment deployed helicopters to Hat Yai in Songkhla province, one of the most severely affected areas, to deliver emergency supplies and evacuate stranded individuals. Video footage showed rescue teams dropping aid to people trapped on building rooftops as floodwaters reached depths of 2 meters (6.6 feet) in some locations, completely submerging thousands of homes.
Naval Disaster Relief Fleet Activated
The Thai navy announced it was dispatching a dedicated Disaster Relief fleet including troops, armored vehicles, and medical teams to the region. The operation includes the Royal Chakri Naruebet aircraft carrier equipped with two helicopters and special operations boats to assist with the large-scale rescue efforts. Authorities temporarily suspended all shuttle services to and from Hat Yai Airport due to the rising floodwaters.
Regional Impact and Tourist Stranding
The flooding has disrupted mobile networks and electricity in several areas, with the Chana Power Plant in Songkhla temporarily halting operations. Approximately 7,000 foreign tourists, primarily from Malaysia and Singapore, were reported trapped in Hat Yai. The disaster has also affected neighboring Malaysia, where authorities reported more than 12,000 people impacted by floods in northern states, prompting King Sultan Ibrahim to order comprehensive emergency assistance.
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