Thailand: 13 dead from floods and flash floods; over 545,000 people affected

Thai authorities announced on Monday that at least 13 people had died in various parts of the country due to floods and flash floods and their direct consequences, including drowning and electrocution, as water drainage operations continued, residents were assisted, and damage assessments were conducted in affected areas.

The Thai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department stated in a press release that the fatalities occurred in Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Saraburi provinces. The floods have affected 25 provinces, all 50 districts of the capital Bangkok, 128 administrative areas, 587 sub-districts, and 2,500 villages.

It added that the number of affected individuals reached 545,022, belonging to 174,803 households.

The department noted that water levels continued to rise in several areas, while waters began to recede or stabilize in others, as authorities continued assessing losses and damages to prepare for aid delivery.

Thai authorities declared a disaster situation in Bangkok following the floods, enabling local authorities to take emergency measures, including accelerating water drainage, setting up temporary shelters, identifying patients and the most vulnerable groups, and documenting damages to facilitate aid and compensation.

Thailand has been experiencing widespread flooding and flash floods for several days following heavy rainfall and rising water levels, which submerged residential areas, roads, and agricultural lands, and caused damage to homes and public facilities.

Authorities continue drainage operations, evacuations, aid distribution, and loss assessments in affected areas, while rescue and emergency teams continue to inspect flood-affected zones.