Around 80 people trapped in Hat Yai hotel after flooding, SOS message seen on building facade

Around 80 people are believed to be trapped inside the Sakol Hotel in Songkhla’s flood-hit Hat Yai district, sending SOS signals from the building’s balcony as severe flooding continues to grip southern Thailand, reported Khaosod English.

The urgent appeal was first circulated on a Facebook post by a user named Oh Pim.

In her post, she said:

“I think there are many people trapped inside, including tourists… They made an SOS signal on the balcony, so I think they need urgent help.

This has raised concerns for those trapped inside the Sakol Hotel in Hat Yai, who are reportedly unable to leave due to rising waters around the building.

The SOS photo from the hotel has been widely circulated on social media, with calls for authorities to prioritise the location.

Flood conditions worsen in Hat Yai

Persistent heavy rainfall across Hat Yai district has triggered widespread flooding since mid-November, with conditions worsening on Nov. 22.

Flood levels in Hat Yai reached critical thresholds the day before, and by Saturday afternoon, 13 of Songkhla’s 16 districts had been declared disaster zones.

A volunteer group told Reuters that they have been flooded by thousands of calls for help, some asking to be evacuated and others for food, in the past few days.

The provincial governor where Hat Yai is located added that they have been deploying boats, high-clearance trucks and even jet skis to evacuate residents as well.

Authorities are continuing flood-relief operations across southern Thailand, with the military taking charge of the situation and dispatching a cargo plane with supplies of medicine, food and water along with a flotilla loaded with relief supplies and field kitchens that can supply up to 3,000 meals a day.

If needed, the aircraft carrier can also be converted into a “floating hospital”.

Advisory for Singaporeans

The Singapore Embassy in Bangkok has designated Hat Yai as a red-flag disaster zone, advising Singaporeans in affected areas to stay indoors and comply with instructions from local authorities.

The embassy noted that flooding has caused power outages and restricted access to essential supplies.

In their most recent update on Nov. 25, they continued to urge Singaporeans to exercise vigilance and monitor the situation closely.

Top images via ohpimthemoomin/Facebook, ReviewSongkhla.Official/Facebook