The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment sent helicopters to Hat Yai, one of the worst-hit areas in Songkhla province near the Malaysian border, to deliver emergency supplies and evacuate people, the Thai Enquirer reported.
Anadolu Agency (AA) said video footage showed helicopters dropping relief supplies onto the upper floors of buildings as thousands of homes remained submerged and residents evacuated to rooftops.
Authorities temporarily suspended all shuttle services to and from Hat Yai Airport as flood waters rose, reaching 2 meters (6.6 feet) in some areas.
The Thai Navy announced on Tuesday that it would send a disaster relief fleet to the area, with troops, armored units and medical teams. The navy said in a statement that the disaster relief ship will be accompanied by the Royal Chakri Naruebe aircraft carrier, which is equipped with two helicopters and a boat equipped for special operations.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Mitigation, nine southern states near the Malaysian border were affected by flooding. Around 7,000 foreign tourists (mainly from Malaysia and Singapore) are reported to have been trapped in Hat Yai.
Floods also disrupted mobile networks and power in several areas. Songkhla’s Chana power plant has temporarily shut down due to rising waters, but other power plants remain operational.
Across the border, Malaysian authorities said more than 12,000 people were affected by flooding in several northern states. Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim on Tuesday ordered authorities to provide all necessary emergency and relief assistance, state news agency Bernama reported.
Master’s degree/PR