URGENT! Flooding in Hat Yai, Thailand

Support flood victims in southern Thailand

What has happened in Thailand and where?

At the end of November, southern Thailand experienced torrential and continuous rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. Nine southern provinces were affected: Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songhkla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. In these provinces, the city of Hat Yai was particularly affected, recording 630 mm of rainfall in just 72 hours. The water rose to a height of 2.5 metres, forcing many families to quickly seek refuge on the roofs of their homes with few possessions.

How have people been affected?

The inhabitants affected by this flood no longer have food or water, and some have lost their electrical appliances or means of transport. This has affected them all the more because many of the homes are single-storey or have only one or two floors and have therefore been submerged by the water. To date, the water has receded, leaving behind a scene of devastation: the streets are covered in mud, vehicles have been overturned, and landslides may continue. Residents have begun a general clean-up and are trying to recover any belongings that were not washed away. However, they have lost a great deal in this flood.

Support those affected by floods 

Who will benefit from this emergency fund?

The beneficiaries of this project are the programme’s sponsored children and their families, as well as other residents of Hat Yai and their families. We have received feedback from Hat Yai residents collected by our volunteer in southern Thailand:

Young woman, aged 14: From 21 November onwards, the water rose rapidly and then gradually receded. Unfortunately, the water returned, flooding both floors of the house. They were unable to take anything with them, except for the clothes they were wearing. They used the only boat in the neighbourhood to evacuate people in difficulty. They took refuge in a larger house with about 40 other people, where everyone helped each other. When they returned to their house, nothing usable remained (car, clothes, refrigerator, fans, etc.). This young girl’s notebooks and books were washed away, even her 4-month-old brother’s powdered milk.

Young woman, 22 years old: From 22 November onwards, she was severely affected by flooding in her area of residence. The water rose to the roof of the house where she lives with her older sister. They were able to take refuge safely nearby in higher ground. They waited several days for help to arrive, with few supplies to survive on each day. Many of their personal belongings were damaged: clothes, electrical appliances, furniture and household equipment, a motorbike that is now unusable, etc. Everything will need to be completely rebuilt, as they have to start from scratch. Their ‘parents’ were stranded at the airport, where they work, but they are fine.

Young boy, aged 6: It had been raining for several days. My family packed our bags and we left for my grandfather’s house, which has two floors. There were about twenty of us living under the same roof. Suddenly, during the night, water flooded the house, which had little food and drinking water. We were able to take refuge at my aunt’s house, which was in a block of flats. Once again, the water rose to a height of five metres. Everyday life was difficult because there was not enough food for everyone, so we ate boiled rice with salt. My brother and I were hungry and fell asleep crying. Once the water receded, we returned home: all our belongings, school uniforms and supplies, motorbike and electrical appliances had been damaged. We had to start from scratch.