Hatyai Floodwaters Recede, Revealing Widespread Despair

SONGKHLA, Nov 27 (TNA) - Floodwaters are slowly withdrawing across Hatyai, but the receding waters have exposed a trail of devastation and despair, particularly in the Hatyai Municipal area.

While overall levels have dropped and some streets are dry, many alleys remain under 30-50 centimetres of water with strong currents. Access has been restored to previously cut-off zones. Authorities are rushing food and water to the severely hit zone, where many were stranded for six days, and are accelerating the evacuation of the sick and elderly.

The disaster's full scope is now visible. Residents face total ruin, with every home damaged and belongings lost, as no one had time to move their property.

A local curry vendor, pointing to a high watermark on her ceiling, broke down as she recounted the destruction. All my property, everything in my life, is ruined," she said, before adding that her only solace was contacting her family, who were safe after days of being cut off.

Despite the devastating loss, she expressed a resolve to restart, though she admitted not knowing where to begin.

“I’ve never seen anything this bad. It’s much worse than 2010. We tried to save our things, but it was just too fast. We couldn’t hold it back. Nothing is left. But it’s okay, we survived," she said.

Many returning residents expressed deep frustration, claiming no government assistance was provided during the height of the crisis, forcing neighbours to self-rescue.

One woman described using ropes to fight the powerful currents and having to take refuge on a second floor with 30 neighbours.

“I only have my dog left. Nothing else. I haven't eaten for four or five days. No agency came to help. Only the volunteer team from [local celebrity] Ple Nakorn brought us drinking water. My hands are shaking like this—I was almost in shock because I hadn’t eaten,” she said.

Even as residents find their way out, a critical issue remains unresolved: mobile phone services have been down since the first day of the flood on Saturday. This communication blackout continues to worry residents, who cannot call or contact family members in other areas. 

The difficulty is compounded by the fact that many residents' cars were destroyed, making travel and checking on loved ones extremely difficult. - 819 (TNA)