Hat Yai, Thailand, is reeling from unprecedented flooding described as a “one-in-300-year” event, exceeding expectations for the regionS typical monsoon season. Beginning November 25, 2025, torrential rainfall overwhelmed the city and surrounding areas, forcing the evacuation of thousands and causing widespread damage. The disaster highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, even in areas historically prepared for seasonal flooding.
While Hat Yai routinely experiences floods during the annual monsoon, the scale of this deluge is extraordinary. Authorities had anticipated standard seasonal rises in water levels, but rainfall far surpassed forecasts, triggering catastrophic inundation. As of November 29, 2025, thousands have sought refuge in evacuation centers, including a gymnasium transformed into temporary shelter. The floods have disrupted transportation, commerce, and daily life for residents across Songkhla province.
The severity of the flooding has prompted a large-scale relief effort, with authorities and aid organizations working to provide assistance to those displaced. Getty Images documented scenes of people sheltering in the gymnasium,illustrating the scale of the humanitarian crisis. The long-term impact on infrastructure and the local economy remains to be assessed, but recovery is expected to be a significant undertaking. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is coordinating the response, focusing on providing immediate aid and assessing the extent of the damage.
