At least 12 dead after heavy flooding: Thousands of people evacuated

Thailand - The worst floods in decades have claimed the lives of at least 12 people in Thailand.

Volunteers distribute food to affected residents in the district of Mueang in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat.
Volunteers distribute food to affected residents in the district of Mueang in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat.  © Madaree TOHLALA / AFP

More than 600,000 households have been affected by the heavy flooding in southern Thailand, reported Gulf News Asia, citing a government agency.

The heavy rainfall and flash floods, which have been ongoing since November 22, have already caused severe damage in ten provinces.

Around 13,000 people had to be evacuated and taken to temporary shelters to be safe.

The government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (38) declared that it was monitoring the situation "hourly". An emergency budget of 70 million baht (about 2 million euros) was set up on Friday to alleviate the effects of the floods.

The government is also planning additional cash assistance, debt restructuring and a rice subsidy to support the country's economic recovery.

People stand next to their motorcycles on a road and look at the floods in the southern province of Pattani.
ContentImage.Description   © Tuwaedaniya MERINGING / AFP

Malaysia also affected by heavy rain and flooding

In neighboring Malaysia, more than 150,000 people in nine states were affected by the floods by early Sunday. So far, three people have died there during the natural disaster.

The Malaysian weather service warned of continued heavy rainfall, while thunderstorms are expected in the north of the country on Sunday.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (77) instructed his cabinet to visit the areas affected by the floods and provide aid. Ministers and their deputies are not allowed to take vacation due to the ongoing crisis.