Death toll rises to 12 as Thailand and Malaysia face worst floods in decades
The death toll from the catastrophic flooding in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia climbed to at least 12 on Saturday, as torrential rains continued to devastate the region, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced.
In southern Thailand, the floods have wreaked havoc on nearly 534,000 households. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported a sharp increase in fatalities, with the death toll rising from four on Friday to nine by Saturday. Thousands of people have sought refuge in more than 200 temporary shelters set up across the affected areas.
The Chana district in Songkhla province has been hit hardest, experiencing the worst floods in 50 years. Video footage from the region showed people being evacuated from their homes, carried away by trucks through rising floodwaters. Rescue teams have also been spotted in Sateng Nok district in Yala province, where they successfully rescued a baby stranded on the roof of a submerged house.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Malaysia, the floods have impacted nearly 139,000 people across nine states. The National Disaster Command Centre reported three deaths since Friday, with thousands more displaced as floodwaters continue to rise.
Authorities in both countries warned of more severe weather, with Thailand’s Meteorological Department forecasting additional heavy rainfall throughout the weekend. The floods have also prompted warnings of more flash floods in affected areas, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
The disaster follows a particularly brutal month for the region, as neighboring the Philippines was battered by six typhoons in November, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands stranded.
As the crisis unfolds, rescue efforts are underway in both countries, but the scale of the disaster is testing the resilience of affected communities. The situation remains fluid, with officials urging the public to remain alert as more severe weather approaches.
