Southern thailand is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, leaving a trail of destruction adn claiming at least three lives as of December 15, 2024. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that torrential rains have impacted four provinces: Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si thammarat. A total of 27 districts, 137 sub-districts, and 814 villages have been affected, displacing 43,595 households.
The DDPM is working tirelessly to pump water from affected areas and provide relief to those in need. “Disaster operation personnel and machinery are accelerating the pumping of water out of the rescue area and alleviating the suffering of the affected people,” a DDPM spokesperson stated.
The flooding is a result of a recent surge of high-pressure air from China, leading to exceptionally heavy rainfall in southern Thailand. According to the DDPM Director-General, Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, the period between November 22nd and December 15th saw widespread flooding across 11 provinces, impacting a staggering 675,160 households and resulting in 32 fatalities. The scale of this disaster is unprecedented in recent decades.
Province-by-Province Breakdown
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Chumphon province: Six districts experienced notable flooding, affecting 7,701 households. Water levels in the Lang Suan Canal have since receded.
Ranong Province: three districts were impacted,with 1,070 households affected. Water levels in the Yuan Canal have also decreased.
surat Thani Province: Seven districts faced flooding, displacing 2,216 households. The Tapi River experienced a rise in water levels.
Nakhon si Thammarat Province: Eleven districts were affected, resulting in the displacement of 32,608 households and tragically, three deaths. Water levels in the Tha Di Canal have decreased.
The DDPM has deployed a wide range of resources to assist those affected, including water pumps, transport vehicles, drinking water supplies, and even helicopters. The agency is working closely with local governments to assess the damage and provide financial aid. The DDPM urges anyone affected by the floods to report incidents and request assistance via thier line account (@1784DDPM) or hotline (1784).
The situation highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, a concern shared globally. The scale of the disaster underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and international cooperation in responding to such crises. The ongoing efforts to provide aid and support to the affected communities in southern Thailand serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Thailand Reels From Devastating Floods: An Interview with Climate scientist Dr.Amara Suriyawong
Southern Thailand has been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding in recent weeks, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and homes. Experts believe this extreme weather event is linked to climate change, raising concerns about the region’s vulnerability to future natural disasters.
World-Today-News Senior Editor Sarah Chen speaks to Dr. Amara Suriyawong, a leading climate scientist at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, to discuss the unfolding crisis and its potential long-term implications.
Extreme Rainfall and its Consequences
Sarah Chen: Dr. Suriyawong, thank you for joining us today. The images coming out of Southern Thailand are truly distressing. Can you tell us more about the meteorological factors that have led to this devastating flooding?
dr. Suriyawong:
Thank you for having me, Sarah.The recent floods in Southern Thailand are a direct result of exceptionally heavy rainfall.A high-pressure system over china forced a surge of moist air southward, leading to prolonged and intense precipitation over the region.
Unluckily, this type of extreme rainfall event is becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
Sarah Chen: So you’re saying this is likely a consequence of global warming?
Dr. Suriyawong:
Yes,the scientific consensus is clear – climate change is altering weather patterns worldwide,making extreme weather events such as torrential rainfall and subsequent flooding more frequent and severe.
Challenges of Disaster Response and Recovery
Sarah Chen: The flooding has affected thousands of people, manny of whom have lost thier homes and livelihoods. What are the immediate challenges facing the region in terms of flood response and recovery?
Dr. suriyawong:
The immediate priorities are providing shelter, clean water, food, and medical assistance to those displaced by the floods. The Thai government and various aid organizations are working tirelessly to deliver these essential resources.
Long-term recovery will be a much greater challenge. It will involve repairing damaged infrastructure, rebuilding homes and businesses, and supporting affected communities in getting back on their feet. this will require significant financial resources and a sustained commitment from the government and international partners.
Building Resilience to Future Threats
Sarah Chen: This disaster underscores the growing vulnerability of many communities to climate-related risks. What steps can be taken to increase resilience to future flooding events in Thailand and elsewhere?
Dr. Suriyawong:
Building resilience requires a multi-pronged approach.we need to invest in early warning systems to provide timely alerts and evacuation orders.
Implementing climate-smart infrastructure, such as flood-resistant buildings and improved drainage systems, is crucial.
And importantly, we must also address the underlying causes of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a transition to cleaner energy sources and lasting land use practices.
Sarah Chen: Dr. Suriyawong, thank you so much for sharing your insights.
Dr. Suriyawong:
Thank you for having me. It is my hope that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for the urgent need to address climate change and build more resilient communities.
