What is the location of the flooding?
As of November 26, 2025, Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia is experiencing flooding driven by intense northeast monsoon rains. The flooding is centered on southern Thailand and northern Peninsular Malaysia, particularly along low-lying coastal and riverine areas connected to the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea in the wider Malay Peninsula region (1).
In Thailand, the worst affected area is the city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province in the far south near the border with Malaysia. Floodwaters there have reached depths of up to around two to two and a half meters, inundating commercial districts and residential neighborhoods after what authorities describe as a once in 300 years rainfall event (2).
Hat Yai is a key commercial and transport hub, and its flooding has had knock on effects on health facilities, factories, and financial services.
Local rivers and drainage channels in Songkhla province, together with overland runoff, are being actively diverted toward Songkhla Lake and the nearby Gulf of Thailand as authorities deploy pumps and water pushing equipment in an effort to lower water levels in Hat Yai and other submerged communities (3).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The floods are affecting a broad swath of southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, with both major cities and rural districts impacted.
In addition to extreme rainfall, experts highlight how land use change and rapid urbanization in both countries have increased flood risk and intensified surface runoff into populated areas (4).
Regional risk analyses note that multiple river basins and low lying coastal corridors remain under close watch as floodwaters continue to move through catchments (5).
Key cities and areas directly impacted by the flooding, include:
- Hat Yai, Thailand
- Kelantan, Malaysia
- Kedah, Malaysia
- Kota Bharu, Malaysia
- Penang, Malaysia
- Perlis, Malaysia
- Selangor, Malaysia
- Songkhla, Thailand
- Surat Thani, Thailand
- Yala, Thailand
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of November 26, 2025, the flooding is not yet fully contained in either southern Thailand or Peninsular Malaysia.
Water levels remain high in many low lying districts, and in Thailand flood conditions are still present in at least nine southern provinces, while hundreds of thousands of households remain affected across the region. Authorities emphasize that the situation remains dynamic as additional rainfall is forecast over the coming days (6).
In Thailand, national and provincial agencies, together with the military and navy, are actively working to stabilize the situation by deploying boats, high clearance trucks, helicopters, and the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet to support evacuations, medical response, and the delivery of essential supplies (7).
In Malaysia, the National Disaster Management Agency and state authorities have set up and continue to operate evacuation centers in affected districts while monitoring river gauges, dam discharge notices, and weather warnings.
The overall focus remains on preventing further loss of life, maintaining critical infrastructure and services, and gradually transitioning from emergency response to recovery as conditions allow. Until monsoon rains ease and drainage systems fully clear the excess water, flood impacts will remain ongoing and only partially controlled.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Multiple evacuation orders, emergency alerts, and disaster declarations are in place across the affected regions.
In southern Thailand, Songkhla province, including Hat Yai, has been declared a disaster zone to unlock emergency funding and accelerate relief operations.
Local authorities have urged residents in the most flooded neighborhoods to evacuate, and volunteers and military units are helping move people using boats, high clearance vehicles, and other equipment, while national meteorological services continue to issue warnings about heavy rain, flash floods, and dangerous sea conditions.
In Malaysia, federal and state agencies have opened numerous evacuation centers to shelter tens of thousands of displaced residents across states such as Kelantan, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Pahang, and others (8).
The National Disaster Management Agency is coordinating with weather and river authorities to issue continuous rainfall warnings, hazard alerts, and guidance on evacuations. Government leaders have instructed all relevant departments to mobilize maximum effort, stressing that people should follow evacuation orders, remain away from floodwaters where possible, and stay informed through official advisories (9).
Overall, evacuation and alert systems remain fully active on both sides of the Thailand–Malaysia border. Residents and visitors in affected areas should monitor local emergency channels, comply promptly with official instructions, and make use of designated evacuation centers and relief services where needed (10).
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How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
