The people of Hat Yai and surrounding areas are having a difficult time adjusting. Southern Thailand was recently battered by some of the worst floods in the country’s history. For young mothers like Chonticha Darachot, getting her four-year-old daughter, Thanchanok, to safety has been the first priority. These heartbreaking floods made it impossible for them to return home. Called a once-in-300-year deluge, the torrential rains starting on November 21 created life-threatening conditions throughout the area.
Includes examples of local government officials being under fire for failure to warn, evacuate residents as floodwaters dangerously increased. As much as they told the public that they were under control, the truth was anything but that. Suddenly, tens of thousands of people were left stranded in less than a day, running low or out of supplies. According to news reports, over 33,000 houses in Hat Yai and elsewhere have been destroyed. Hospitals, schools and more than 700 kilometers of roads have been hard-hit.
Government Response Under Fire
The local government’s emergency response which has been heavily criticized since the floods’ destruction has left local communities reeling. Residents have voiced their anger for weeks, saying officials failed to act quickly enough to address the growing crisis. Retired schoolteacher Mao had one main complaint about the government response from which he and his neighbors suffered most in the wake of the disaster.
“For six days no-one came to take care of us.” – Mao
When floodwater hit, just a small percentage of people needing assistance evacuated. An estimated 77,000 people communicated with officials through social media requesting evacuation but knew only 16,000 evacuated. This has led to questions about the efficiency of outreach efforts and emergency preparedness methods that local leaders have established.
Local resident Chaiwat Surangsophon expressed his frustration with the government’s response to the crisis.
“This was the worst situation I’ve seen since I was born,” – Chaiwat Surangsophon
He pointed out the difference in response, as no coordinated rescue efforts were sent like in previous disasters.
“In the past, even when the floods weren’t that high, we would hear the engine of boats. We would hear the voice of rescue teams. But this time there was nothing. There was complete silence.” – Chaiwat Surangsophon
Casualties and Damage Assessment
The Health Minister of Thailand estimates that more than 160 people have perished as a result of the floods now inundating nine provinces. In Songkhla, whose capital is Hat Yai, at least 110 deaths have been confirmed. The scale of the damage is truly staggering. Streets have been washed away and thousands of homes lost, while critical infrastructure including hospitals and schools have been deeply impacted.
As a result, the local government has been held accountable for its lackluster response. The district chief of Hat Yai has been transferred out of position. In the wake of these tragic deaths, the police chief has been fired, as demands for accountability further escalate. Residents are calling on those responsible to explain why preparations were lacking even though conditions were ripe for severe weather.
Noopannoy, a resident who lived through the disaster and has been rebuilding since, lambasted the government’s response to the post-flood reality.
“They said ‘Oh we can give money’. But it’s too late, you know. Normally you should do something before this happens.” – Noopannoy
She continued to be distraught that promises made by public leaders were not enough to meet the urgent call of the flood emergency.
“They said ‘Oh it’s easy, we can handle this’. But they didn’t handle anything. They just left everyone alone.” – Noopannoy
Financial Aid and Future Measures
Thailand’s Prime Minister has publicly apologized for the disastrous impact of the floods. He’s signed off on over $225 million in funding to back the victims. This financial assistance is intended to help a full recovery with long-term rebuilding, as well as immediate relief for those impacted by this catastrophic natural disaster.
A large portion of these residents express disbelief that this money will be spent to benefit them. They fear that it might come too late for people who have already suffered tremendous losses. As recovery efforts begin, residents hope that lessons will be learned from this crisis to better prepare for future disasters.
