Stranded Malaysian tourists have started leaving their hotels in Hat Yai district today, after floodwater receded, making it possible for them to return home in their private cars, which were parked on high ground and spared from flooding.
Many checked their routes before the journey to make sure they are passable, particularly the shortest route back to Malaysia, through the Padang Bezar border checkpoint in Sadao district of Songkhla province.
Staying in hotels has become challenging for the tourists due to the shortage of food and drinking water, because many hostelries do not have kitchens of their own and tourists have to venture out to the market or convenience stores, which are mostly closed. Power blackouts are also a major problem, adding to the misery.
Although floodwater is receding today, currents are still strong in some areas. Many cars parked on roadsides or in underground parking lots are submerged and are not expected to be operational.
Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchu said today that more than 465,000 people in 16 districts have been affected by the current flooding but only 235 people have been evacuated. No one is reported to have died or been injured.
Ten districts in Songkhla have, so far, been declared public disaster zones.
In neighboring Satun province, seven districts have been declared emergency public disaster zones, with the worst hit district being La-ngu. People living in high-risk areas have been advised to evacuate to safer areas.
Widespread flooding is also reported in Phatthalung, Trang, Pattani and Yala provinces.
