Severe Floods Cut Off Southern Thai City of Hat Yai; Rescuers Scramble to Reach Stranded Residents

SONGKHLA, Nov 25 (TNA) - Severe flash flooding has paralyzed the southern Thai district of Hat Yai, leaving hundreds of residents stranded, many confined to the second floors of their homes for up to three days, as continuous heavy rain and poor drainage overwhelm the area.

The inner-city area of Hat Yai has been completely cut off, with water levels rising so rapidly that local reports indicate some spots are entirely submerged, reaching above the rooftops of single-story structures. The deluge is a result of sustained local rainfall, compounded by water runoff from nearby mountains and floodwater flowing in from northern districts.

Volunteer relief teams, equipped with motorized flat-bottom boats and jet skis, are struggling to navigate the swirling floodwaters to evacuate the trapped population.

Rescue Efforts Face Major Hurdles

Rescue operations are being hampered by a critical lack of navigation tools, according to workers on the ground.

"We have the equipment, but no one to guide us in," one volunteer said. Due to a lack of power and internet connectivity, rescue teams are unable to access maps, mark critical points, or determine the GPS coordinates of people needing assistance.

The immediate need is for large quantities of food and drinking water for the displaced and stranded residents.

To improve efficiency, one volunteer suggested that local authorities adopt a strategy similar to a previous flood crisis in Chiang Rai. 

This involves the provincial administration printing detailed, paper maps of the city's streets and alleys, allowing rescue teams to accurately pinpoint and access victims without relying on digital navigation.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue across Hat Yai, exacerbating the already dire situation as drainage remains severely impaired. -819 (TNA)