“Hat Yai flooding” and severe floods — revealing the causes… why the flooding is so severe

“Hat Yai flooding“ เปิดสาเหตุ…ทำไมน้ำท่วมหนัก   

The latest situation in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, is a major flood crisis that has been assessed as “the worst in 25 years” since the 2000 flooding. In many areas, water levels are so high that they have affected homes, key economic zones, and the city’s main transportation routes, causing widespread impacts on daily life, the local economy, and the transportation system.

This incident is the result of a combination of extreme weather conditions, the area’s geographical characteristics, and gaps in water management. Government agencies and academics have consistently reported that this year’s heavy rainfall is at an “exceptionally abnormal” level, exceeding the capacity of current water retention systems and existing infrastructure.

Overview of the “sudden torrential rainfall” (rain bomb) event

Data from the Meteorological Department’s rain gauge stations indicate that the accumulated rainfall over three days in the Hat Yai area exceeded 595–600 มิลลิเมตร Considered the highest in several decades, the intensity of the rainfall on the night of November 21, particularly in the Khao Hong – Na Mom area, led to what is called a “sudden torrential rainfall” (rain bomb), with massive amounts of water rushing rapidly into the city.

Key areas, such as Kim Yong Market, Niphat Uthit Road, Sanehanuson Road, and the Hat Yai Municipality district, were rapidly flooded. Many roads were cut off, transportation was disrupted, and shops had to temporarily close. Meanwhile, some residents had to evacuate to higher ground as water levels at certain points continued to rise.

The main causes of this flooding event

1. Abnormally heavy rainfall due to La Niña conditions

Meteorologists and the Meteorological Department indicate that the year 2025 is in a cycle La Niña La Niña has caused high humidity in many areas of Thailand and increased the likelihood of heavy rainfall, particularly in the lower southern region, which is influenced by the northeast monsoon and stronger-than-usual monsoon troughs. This led to “rain bomb” events (intense rainfall over a short period) on the night of November 21, 2025, around Khao Hong, Na Mom District, before flowing into Hat Yai city.

2. Global warming 

which is significantly related  Although the main factors of flooding in Hat Yai remain heavy rainfall, low-lying terrain, and the drainage system, climate change has caused extreme rainfall and flash floods to occur more frequently and intensely than in the past, directly contributing to this event. In the case of Hat Yai Rainfall of 595–600 mm over three days is considered “extreme rainfall levels” (extreme rainfall), which aligns with the IPCC report finding that such rainfall is expected to increase by 20–30% in Southeast Asia due to global warming.

3. Hat Yai is a “basin” that receives water from multiple directions

Hat Yai is a low-lying area that receives water from key canals, including

• U-Taphao Canal
• R.1 Canal, or Phuminat Damri Canal
• Other secondary canals that converge before flowing into Songkhla Lake
  

The basin-like topography means that when water from the upstream flows down along with heavy rainfall in the city, “compound flooding” can easily occur, and water drainage is slow.

• Reference: Khaosod (khaosod.co.th)

4. The drainage system cannot handle extreme rainfall levels

Although Hat Yai’s flood protection system has been upgraded several times since 2010, this year’s water volume exceeded the designed capacity of the drainage system, such as

• drainage tunnels
  sluice gates
• Various canals that still have sedimentation and blockages

Reference: Thairath News Agency (thairath.co.th)

5. Insufficient risk management and preparedness

Although warnings were issued via the Cell Broadcast system, many areas had not evacuated or prepared appropriate response plans. At the same time, there are reports that Frontline Water Management Center which should have been established before the event was set up later than planned

• Reference: Mgr Online (mgronline.com)

6. Urban development and land use that increase risk

The city’s expansion and the construction of numerous buildings have continuously reduced permeable areas, causing heavy rainfall to quickly turn into runoff flowing onto roads and low-lying areas.

• Reference: Hatyai City Climate

Impacts in the area

• Many main roads in the city became impassable.
• Many schools, businesses, and shops had to close temporarily.
• Many vehicles were damaged by the sudden flooding.
• Public transportation and Hat Yai trains experienced delays or partial service suspensions.
• Some residents had to evacuate or move their belongings to higher ground.

In summary, the recent flooding event

The 2025 Hat Yai flooding is a clear signal that climate change and increased urban land use have continuously raised flood risks. Although flood protection systems exist, they were unable to handle this year’s exceptionally intense rainfall. At the same time, preparedness and local water management require systematic improvements to prevent similar events in the future. Today, Hat Yai serves as a case study and an important lesson in urban development that must cope with extreme weather, highlighting that proactive planning is urgently needed.

Join together to help assist the flood victims.  In terms of donating essential and usable items 

How can we help the flood victims? 

1. You can help by donating truly essential items. Do not donate unnecessary items, as they become a burden for relief centers. The most needed items include:

• Rice and ready-to-eat food
• Drinking water
• Sanitary pads and diapers
• Basic medicines / first aid kits
• Flashlights, batteries, and power banks
• Post-flood cleaning supplies (trash bags, brooms, disinfectants)

2. Help spread accurate information and verify it before sharing.

Incorrect information can cause people to misunderstand the situation, such as:

• Water levels
• Evacuation routes
• For donation points, only share information from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center, Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Red Cross, or other relevant government agencies (beware of scams). 
• This also applies to other news related to fundraising or relief efforts.
  

3. Volunteer locally if you are near the affected area. You can help with activities such as:

• Loading supplies onto vehicles
• Assisting with shelter management
• Helping evacuate the elderly, children, and pets
• Helping repair and clean homes after the water recedes

4. Donating money to verifiable organizations

Such as Ruamkatanyu Foundation, the Thai Red Cross Society, and various charitable foundations. The recipient should be a clearly identified organization with receipts, transparency, and verifiable records.

Is it time for all of us to come together? How can we solve this problem? If we don’t start today… How much worse will we wait for the situation to get? 

The severe flooding in Hat Yai in 2025 is a clear signal that “natural disasters are no longer distant threats,” and global warming is not a warning about the future—it is happening right now. Extreme rainfall, sudden flash floods, and unpredictable storms are all consequences of increasingly intense climate change.

We are all the crucial starting point, and every sector must work together starting today.
✔ Contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in daily life
✔ Support clean energy and environmentally friendly businesses
✔ Increase green spaces and permeable areas
✔ Adapt to changing weather conditions
✔ Help promote climate and sustainability policies at the national level

Change can start with small actions in daily life, but when everyone works together, a safe and sustainable world can truly be achieved. 

Let’s work together to create strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development—just reach out to us for consultation. 

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