Thai city declared a disaster zone amid most severe deluge in 300 years

The governor of Thailand’s Songkhla province, which includes the city of Hat Yai, has declared the entire region a disaster zone and ordered the urgent evacuation of residents, as continuous heavy rainfall plunges several districts into a state of crisis.

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Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo made the announcement at 10am on Nov 24, declaring a disaster zone across all 16 administrative districts.

The order prioritises the immediate evacuation of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and the sick.

Military, civilian and local government units have been mobilised to expedite relief efforts.

Mr Ratthasart said the worst-hit area so far is in Na Thawi district, where the situation is described as “critical”.

Flood waters have overwhelmed all 10 sub-districts and 92 villages there, directly affecting over 15,000 households, or more than 50,000 people.

Local reports said all primary and secondary roads in the district have been severed, rendering land travel impossible.

Access to the affected population is now solely dependent on watercraft.