Bangkok: Southern Thailand is facing one of its worst flooding disasters in years as heavy rain continues to affect nine provinces. The floods have already claimed at least 33 lives and left millions struggling with damaged homes and limited access to essential services.

In the city of Hat Yai, a major hospital remains partly underwater. Its first floor has been flooded, forcing medical teams to move equipment and patients to higher levels. Around 600 patients are currently in the hospital and about 50 of them need intensive care. Close to 2000 people including families and medical staff are also sheltering inside the building as floodwater blocks exits.

Military helicopters and boats have been sent to the area to transfer critical patients and deliver food water and medical supplies. The Thai Navy has also deployed its aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet to help relief work and transport high risk patients.

Officials say more than 2.7 million people have been affected across the southern region and nearly one million homes have been damaged or flooded. Entire streets remain underwater and several communities can only be reached by boat.

Songkhla province has declared a state of emergency as water levels continue to rise. Rescue workers say the conditions are challenging because strong currents and deep water make it difficult to reach stranded families.

Neighboring Malaysia is also dealing with severe flooding linked to the same weather system. Several states there have reported evacuations as rivers overflow and roads become impassable.

Weather authorities warn that more rain is expected in the coming days and the situation may worsen before it improves. Emergency teams are urging residents in high risk or low lying areas to evacuate when possible.

The government says restoring safe drinking water medical access and shelter remains the top priority as thousands wait for help.