Bangkok: Severe flooding across southern Thailand and parts of Indonesia has caused widespread destruction, leaving dozens dead and forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. Search and rescue operations continue as both countries struggle with damaged infrastructure and ongoing heavy rainfall.

In Thailand at least 33 people have died from the flooding, according to authorities. The city of Hat Yai is among the worst affected areas, with floodwaters rising high enough to submerge homes, roads and public facilities. Many families were seen waiting on rooftops for rescue teams to reach them.

More than 2.7 million people across nine provinces have been affected. Hospitals in flooded regions have begun transferring patients to safer locations as some medical buildings have lost electricity and running water. The emergency response has expanded to include the military and navy, who are using helicopters, boats and high-clearance vehicles to reach cut-off communities.

Thailand has also started preparing drone assistance to deliver food and supplies to stranded residents where roads and communication lines remain blocked. Authorities warned that while water levels have started to stabilise in some districts, other areas remain at risk due to ongoing rainfall.

The flooding has also caused serious agricultural damage, especially to the country’s rubber plantations. Officials estimate that tens of thousands of tonnes of rubber output may be lost, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and raising concerns over long term economic impact.

Across the border in Indonesia the northern part of Sumatra is facing a similar emergency. Landslides and flash floods triggered by days of heavy rain have killed at least 28 people. Rescue teams are still searching for missing residents in remote areas where access remains difficult due to washed-out roads and damaged bridges.

Evacuation shelters have been set up in both countries, and aid workers report that families are in urgent need of clean water, food and medical care. The weather events have been described by meteorologists as unusually intense, influenced by a combination of storm systems and climate-related rainfall patterns.

Governments in Thailand and Indonesia have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions as more rain is expected in the coming days.

Authorities say the focus now is on rescuing stranded residents, restoring essential services and providing shelter for displaced families while the full scale of damage continues to unfold.