Songkhla steps up Hat Yai flood defences ahead of mid-December storms
Authorities in Hat Yai boost early-warning systems, prepare shelters and prioritise evacuation of the elderly, children and patients before the storms hit.
- Songkhla authorities are preparing Hat Yai for heavy rainfall and potential flooding forecast between December 14 and 18.
- Proactive measures include setting up 24-hour rapid-response teams, issuing alerts via a Cell Broadcast system, and closely monitoring water levels in the U-tapao Canal.
- Evacuation plans prioritize vulnerable groups, with designated safe centers, such as universities and schools, prepared to accommodate residents.
- Residents are advised to follow official instructions, evacuate promptly when ordered, or prepare 3-5 days of emergency supplies if sheltering in a safe location.
Songkhla governor Rattasart Chidchu chaired an urgent meeting with leaders of 103 communities in Hat Yai on Monday (December 8) to step up preparations for expected heavy rain and flooding between December 14 and 18.
He stressed the importance of issuing warnings at least 24 hours ahead and implementing orderly evacuation measures.
The Southern Meteorological Centre (East Coast) authorities have forecast very heavy rainfall for Hat Yai on December 14 and 15.
Reported that cumulative rainfall over 2–3 days could reach 125–250 millimetres, creating a high risk of flash floods and run-off.
Songkhla province has therefore moved to raise preparedness across all areas.
Hat Yai Municipality has drawn up proactive measures to cope with potential flooding, including:
- Setting up 24-hour rapid-response teams in every zone to carry out surveillance and provide immediate assistance
- Integrating data with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to issue alerts via the Cell Broadcast system
- Temporarily assigning municipal rubbish trucks to help transport and evacuate residents during emergencies
- Closely monitoring water levels in the U-tapao Canal and in upstream areas in the Sadao district
The governor has assigned community leaders to serve as the first line of response and ordered them to prioritise the evacuation of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, bedbound patients and pregnant women.
“Preparedness and staying calm are the keys that will help us get through this event safely together,” Rattasart said.
Songkhla province has also prepared flood-safe locations and evacuation centres to accommodate residents in the event of severe flooding. These include:
- Prince of Songkla University
- Hatyairatprachasun School
- Universities in Songkhla city
- Evacuation centres run by local administrative organisations around Hat Yai
The governor urged residents to follow official advice strictly.
Those who are able to evacuate using their own vehicles are asked to move promptly to designated safe areas as soon as an emergency announcement is issued by the DDPM.
Households living in high-rise buildings or other relatively safe locations are advised to prepare emergency supplies for 3–5 days, such as ready-to-eat food, drinking water, torches and cooking gas, in case access routes are cut off.
The prime minister and deputy prime ministers have expressed concern and are closely monitoring the flooding situation in Songkhla.
They have instructed all agencies to ensure full preparedness in prevention, emergency response and post-flood recovery.
