Deadly Thailand floods trap family for days as officials face backlash
Heavy flooding in southern Thailand has left 162 people dead, with 126 of those fatalities occurring in Songkhla province. In Hat Yai, a family of eight spent two days trapped on the second floor of their home as floodwaters surged through the city.
The disaster follows record rainfall—335 mm in just two days, the highest single-day total in 300 years. Authorities have faced criticism for failing to issue clear warnings before the floods struck.
The family in Hat Yai struggled to stay above the rising water by perching on furniture, including a table, a window frame, and even a washing machine. Some of their belongings floated away, leaving them with few stable places to rest.
While stranded, they tried to call out to neighbours and passersby for help. Meanwhile, over 16,000 people across the region have been moved to emergency shelters as floodwaters overwhelmed homes and infrastructure.
Power remains cut off in many parts of Hat Yai and surrounding areas, delaying recovery efforts. The government has since removed the district chief and reassigned the police chief after widespread criticism of their handling of the crisis.
The floods have caused widespread destruction, with many residents still displaced and essential services disrupted. Officials are now under pressure to improve emergency responses as the region begins the long process of recovery.
