26-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities announced on December 25 that persistent heavy rain over the past 48 hours has triggered extensive flooding in the southern provinces of Thailand, impacting tens of thousands of residents and causing disruptions to transportation networks.
The provinces of Yala and Narathiwat bore the brunt of the flooding, with numerous communities and districts submerged and the closure of several schools. The heavy downpours also led to maritime challenges, resulting in the sinking of at least seven ships in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea since December 22. Thailand’s national railway company reported track subsidence due to the heavy rain, leading to the suspension of railway services to the Malaysian border.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have issued warnings to residents in the affected southern provinces, advising them to prepare for evacuation if the flood situation worsens. Currently, provincial officials are collaborating with local authorities to implement drainage solutions in flooded areas and assess the overall extent of damage.
The Thai Meteorological Department had previously forecasted the impact of the northeast monsoon on the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, anticipating strong winds. On December 24-25, a low-pressure system intensified along the Malaysian coast, traversed the southern region of Thailand, and made landfall in the Andaman Sea. This intensified weather pattern resulted in heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain areas of the southern downstream region.
In response, the department has urged residents in the affected areas to take precautions against potential flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions near waterways and low-lying areas. Wave heights of 2 to 4 meters are forecasted in the Gulf of Thailand, prompting cautionary measures for vessels operating in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, especially in storm-prone areas. Small vessels in the Gulf of Thailand are strongly advised against venturing out to sea during this period to ensure safety.
