The southern regions of Thailand and Malaysia are grappling with catastrophic flooding, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and affecting hundreds of thousands of households. The situation has been exacerbated by relentless heavy rainfall that began on November 22, leading to widespread devastation across both countries.
In Thailand, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that 12 individuals have lost their lives due to the floods, which have impacted approximately 640,580 households across ten provinces. As of December 1, around 13,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge in 200 temporary shelters established by the government. Seven provinces continue to experience severe flooding, prompting ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration is closely monitoring the situation, with updates being provided every hour. In response to the crisis, the government approved an emergency budget of 70 million baht (approximately S$2.74 million) on November 29 to assist those affected. Additionally, plans for cash handouts, debt restructuring, and a rice subsidy totaling 166 billion baht are underway to support the nation’s economic recovery.
Amid criticism regarding her perceived inaction, Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasized her commitment to prioritizing the needs of flood victims over political appearances. She has delegated responsibilities to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to lead the relief efforts.
In neighboring Malaysia, the flooding has similarly wreaked havoc, affecting over 150,000 individuals across ten states, with the northeastern state of Kelantan being the hardest hit. The death toll in Malaysia stands at seven, including a one-year-old child and two elderly men who drowned in recent days. The National Disaster Management Agency reported that the number of displaced individuals has surpassed the figures recorded during the catastrophic floods of 2014.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall in Kelantan and nearby Terengganu, with thunderstorms expected in northern regions. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi cautioned that the situation could worsen due to rising tides in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, urging residents to heed evacuation orders to prevent further loss of life.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed his Cabinet members to visit flood-affected areas to provide assistance, emphasizing the need for preparedness and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of such disasters.
As both countries face the aftermath of these unprecedented floods, the focus remains on rescue operations, providing aid to those in need, and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies. The resilience of the affected communities and the response from local and national authorities will be crucial in navigating this challenging situation.