Hatyai floods: At least another 10 days for waters to recede, says expert

THE torrential floods up north, bordering southern Thailand with reportedly up to 2,000 Malaysians still stranded in the tourist city of Hatyai may get worse with a tropical storm still reported in the region.

It is also made complicated as the northern states are worried about mobilising their entire resources to help those trapped because they need to be prepared for another possible round of flooding in their respective locations, said former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh.

Phee has extensive experience in dealing with emergency situations, especially flooding.

Phee acknowledged that there are limited resources but pledged that the Malaysian side of rescue teams are redoubling their efforts.

Priorities are given to those on rooftops and to supply hotels that they encountered with food, water and medical aid, while there are also doctors deployed.

The teams mobilised are equipped with jet skis, boats, heavy trucks and 4WDs.

Although Penang has been largely spared with almost everyone affected by the flash floods returning home; Kedah and Perlis continue to report pockets of rising water, causing several families to remain in flood relief centers.

In Hatyai, it was reported that the southernmost city continues to face severe flooding, with experts warning that its commercial and tourist zones will remain submerged till at least month-end.

While the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains silent on the matter, academics have taken to social media to explain the situation better.

Assoc Prof Seree Supratid, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University and vice president of the National Disaster Warning Council Foundation, said that despite falling water levels upstream in Sadao district, downstream flows will increase before reaching the city, exacerbating the flooding.

He estimated that rainfall between Nov 21–25 reached about 850 mm, generating 1,200 –1,500 million cubic metres of runoff.

With natural drainage and pumping capacity, it could take roughly 10 days for water to recede, further delayed by high sea levels expected until the end of November.

He urged immediate measures such as cutting road embankments to accelerate drainage and minimise losses.

Maitree Jongkraichak, manager of the Thai Community Foundation, called for urgent interventions.

Via social media, he proposed forming an expert "war room" including academics, community networks, and data analysts, and deploying national and provincial disaster plans.

Recommended actions include mapping flood risks, coordinating rescue operations via a central radio hub, mobilising boats and military aircraft for transport, establishing evacuation centres and central kitchens, and providing timely press updates every two hours.

Marine ecology expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat emphasised the broader lessons, highlighting that disasters in the era of global warming are intensifying.

He advised residents to "not become victims" by preparing emergency supplies, planning escape routes, and assisting vulnerable individuals early.

Meanwhile, social media in Penang, is flooded with messaging for help, inquiries and offers to help, as well as the blame game.

There is a message from Malaysians in Leevana Hotel, citing that the remained trapped five days after the waters rose with no food, no water, no power and essentials for almost 200 people.

There was a report of a Thai national who fired three rounds into the air to intimidate Thai rescuers to help him first rather than others. – November 27, 2025