On November 27, 2024, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), reported ongoing monitoring of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds in southern Thailand. While no healthcare facilities have been affected, four provinces—Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla—have reported significant impacts:
1. Pattani: Disaster zones have been declared in two districts, Mayo and Thung Yang Daeng. Flooding has affected three mosques, six schools, and six Islamic educational institutions (pondoks).
2. Yala: Persistent rainfall in Mueang Yala District has caused water accumulation in low-lying areas, particularly Sateng Nok Subdistrict. Flooding on several roads, including routes to Sateng Nok Health Promotion Hospital, has not disrupted healthcare services.
3. Narathiwat: Five districts—Bacho, Waeng, Rue So, Cho-airong, and Sukirin—have been impacted by flooding.
4. Songkhla: Four districts—Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, and Singhanakhon—are severely affected. Authorities are closely monitoring rain levels in Sadao and Hat Yai districts and the rising water levels of the U-Tapao Canal, which may overflow into residential areas this week.
Dr. Opas highlighted that from November 27-30, a strong low-pressure system moving from Malaysia to the Andaman Sea will likely intensify rainfall across southern provinces, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Gulf of Thailand coastal areas should expect waves 2-3 meters high, prompting a warning against sea travel.
The MoPH has instructed healthcare facilities in Health Zones 11 and 12, comprising 113 at-risk locations, including 3 regional hospitals, 1 general hospital, 12 community hospitals, and 97 subdistrict health centers, to remain vigilant. Measures have been put in place to protect these facilities and prepare for assistance, particularly for vulnerable populations.