The death toll from the catastrophic floods affecting southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has risen to at least 12, as authorities report tens of thousands of people forced to evacuate due to rapidly rising water levels over the past three days.
In southern Thailand, nearly 534,000 households have been affected, with the death toll rising from four to nine. Thousands of residents have been relocated to 200 temporary shelters set up in the flood-stricken areas, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
The Chana district in Songkhla province has been hit by the worst flooding in 50 years, with videos showing residents being carried to safety in trucks after their homes were submerged in floodwaters. Another heart-wrenching video showed rescue workers in Sateng Nok district of Yala province rescuing a baby stranded on the roof of a house inundated by the flood.
In neighboring Malaysia, the floods have affected approximately 139,000 people across nine states, with three confirmed deaths since Friday. The National Disaster Command Centre in Malaysia reported that rescue operations are ongoing.
Thailand’s meteorological department has issued warnings of more heavy rainfall and flash floods in several southern provinces, as the country braces for further impacts.
This devastating flood comes after the Philippines was struck by six typhoons in November alone, causing widespread destruction.
In response to the crisis, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan to Malaysia. He conveyed his sympathies for the loss of lives and property due to the floods, which were caused by torrential rains in various Malaysian states.
In a telephone conversation with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Shehbaz Sharif offered Pakistan’s full support, including immediate humanitarian aid. He commended Malaysia’s swift response to the disaster and assured that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Malaysia during this difficult time.
