A “once in 300 year” storm has battered southern Thailand, bringing floodwaters more than eight feet high that in one city cut off access to a maternity ward holding 30 newborn babies, staff and officials said.
At least 19 people across southern Thailand have died, mainly caused by electrocution and flood-related accidents, according to the public health ministry.
The heaviest rain was seen in Hat Yai city, a major center of transportation and trade in Songkhla province, which recorded “the heaviest rain in 300 years,” according to the country’s Royal Irrigation Department. That figure refers to how rare this kind of rainstorm is, with a probability of occurring once every 300 years, officials told CNN.
As of Monday, nine provinces across southern Thailand are still flooded, affecting more than 127,000 households, according to local authorities. Some places have recorded nearly 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) of accumulated rain – exacerbated by overflowing rivers and flash floods.
In Hat Yai, floodwaters reached up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in depth, sweeping through the city and inundating homes. Photos from the city show entire roads underwater, with houses half-submerged and emergency crews on boats rescuing residents and delivering supplies.
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