Thailand declares nationwide emergency as deadly floods kill 33 so far

Severe rains and widespread flooding have plunged much of Thailand into crisis, leaving at least 33 people dead and prompting authorities to declare a nationwide emergency.

Relentless downpours over recent days have triggered landslides, inundated entire neighbourhoods and washed out key road links, hampering rescue efforts in several provinces. Emergency teams, working around the clock, are ferrying stranded families to higher ground as swollen rivers continue to breach their banks.

Power cuts have been reported in numerous districts, with local officials warning that restoration could take time as floodwaters remain dangerously high. Communities in some of the worst-hit regions have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel and strictly follow evacuation orders issued by disaster-management authorities.

Thailand’s weather bureau has cautioned that more heavy rain is expected, raising fears of further damage in areas already battling waist-deep water. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and community centres as the government races to provide food, medical aid and temporary accommodation for thousands displaced by the floods.

The full scale of the devastation is still emerging.