Thailand: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across southern provinces as of Dec. 20

Event

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of southern Thailand as of Dec. 20. Heavy rainfall since Dec. 18 has triggered several rivers in the region to overflow and disruptions have been reported in parts of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported that more than 60,000 people have been impacted by flooding across the affected region. Narathiwat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Yala have been the hardest hit provinces. Authorities in Narathiwat have reported three fatalities associated with the flooding and almost 30,000 households have been affected across 13 districts of the province. In Yala province one fatality has been reported, as well as one person injured and another missing. More than 23,000 people from over 5,000 households have been affected by the flooding and more than 100 people have been evacuated by authorities. The flooding has inundated around 239 villages in Yala and damaged homes, roads, bridges, and power lines. Nearly 10,000 households have been affected by flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and around 11,600 in Songkhla Province.

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast further widespread thunderstorms with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across the region Dec. 20. The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand is expected to weaken Dec. 21-26 and will likely result in lower precipitation levels over southern regions; however, isolated thunderstorms and showers are still expected. Further downpours associated with the thunderstorms could hamper recovery efforts and exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall. Floodwaters are likely to take some time to recede, meaning disruptions may linger in affected areas even once weather conditions begin to improve.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Thai Meteorological Department