BANGKOK (Bernama): Continuous heavy rain in southern Thailand has caused severe flooding, resulting in nine fatalities and the evacuation of more than 13,000 people as of Saturday, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
The disaster has affected eight provinces, namely Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, impacting 78 districts, 3,552 villages, and approximately 553,921 households, DDPM said in a statement on Saturday.
It added that a total of 200 shelters have been established across four provinces, including 79 in Narathiwat, 16 in Songkhla, 43 in Yala, and 62 in Pattani, while currently, 13,029 evacuees are residing in temporary shelters.
Additionally, it stated that two "Warm-Hearted Shelters" in Narathiwat and Pattani, set up through royal donations, are providing food, medical support, and other essential services, with health officials stationed on-site to assist evacuees.
In Pattani, four hospitals have been temporarily closed due to severe flooding, with water levels inside patient wards rising to critical levels, reaching about one metre.
Pattani Provincial Public Health Chief, Dr. Anurak Sarapab, confirmed that hospitals in Nong Chik, Mae Lan, Yaring, and Thung Yang Daeng districts have temporarily ceased operations.
"All patients have been safely evacuated to secure locations, and field hospitals have been set up to continue providing medical services,” he said.
Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand has announced temporary changes to train services on the Southern Line. Ten train routes will have adjusted starting and ending stations, while 12 services have been suspended until further notice.
These changes will take effect from November 30 and will remain in place until conditions improve. - Bernama
