The city of Hat Yai, located in southern Thailand, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant markets and delicious street food. However, the city has been facing a recurring problem of flash floods, which can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure. To address this issue, the Thai government has launched the Watch Out for Flooding in Hat Yai CCTV program, which provides regular updates on flood conditions in the city.
The program involves installing surveillance CCTV cameras across roads, river canals, and passages to monitor water levels. The measurements are uploaded to a website, which provides real-time updates on the flood situation in Hat Yai. This initiative is part of the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network, which aims to improve the resilience of cities in the region to the effects of climate change.
The Watch Out for Flooding in Hat Yai CCTV program has been instrumental in helping residents and tourists stay informed about the flood situation in the city. By providing regular updates, the program enables people to take necessary precautions and avoid areas that are at risk of flooding. With the program’s success, the Thai government hopes to expand it to other flood-prone areas in the country.
Flooding in Hat Yai
Hat Yai, a city in southern Thailand, is known to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. However, the city has been experiencing frequent flash floods, which have caused significant damage to the infrastructure, property, and people’s lives.
Geographical Context
Hat Yai is located in the Songkhla Province, which is known for its tropical climate and high rainfall. The city is situated on a flat plain, surrounded by hills and mountains, which makes it vulnerable to flash floods during the rainy season. The city’s drainage system is not sufficient to handle the high volume of water during heavy rains, which results in flooding.
Historical Flood Events
The city has a history of experiencing severe floods, with the most significant flood occurring in 2000, which caused widespread damage to the city’s infrastructure and property. Since then, the government has taken several steps to mitigate the impact of floods, including the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor the water levels.
In response to the frequent flooding, the Thai government launched the Watch Out for Flooding in Hat Yai CCTV program. The program involves installing surveillance cameras across roads, river canals, and passages to monitor water levels. These measurements are uploaded to a website, which provides updates on the flood situation in real-time.
Despite the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of floods, the city still experiences frequent flooding, which affects the daily lives of the residents and the city’s economy. The government needs to take further steps to improve the city’s drainage system and infrastructure to prevent future flooding.
Latest Updates on Flooding
Role of CCTV in Monitoring
CCTV cameras have played a crucial role in monitoring the flooding situation in Hat Yai. The cameras have been installed in strategic locations across the city to keep a close eye on the flood-prone areas. The footage captured by these cameras has been instrumental in providing real-time updates to the authorities, enabling them to take timely action to prevent any major damage.
The CCTV cameras are equipped with advanced analytics software that can detect changes in water levels and alert the authorities in case of any anomalies. This has helped the authorities to quickly identify areas that are at risk of flooding and take necessary steps to evacuate people and move them to safer locations.
Current Situation
As of November 16, 2023, the water level in Hat Yai is still rising, and the situation remains worrisome. The heavy flooding has led to the closure of several roads, causing major disruptions to traffic. Military officers of the 42nd Army Regiment of the Royal Thai Army have rushed to help people affected by flash floods in the area of Hat Yai District.
Hundreds of gas cylinders, including those used in restaurants and households, have been seen floating down a road as cars were driving through. The authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary.
In addition, many parts of the road, including in Ban Khuan Hin and Ban Bangkhan, have been submerged, making it difficult for people to move around. The authorities have set up temporary shelters for those who have been evacuated from their homes and are providing them with food and other essential supplies.
Despite the efforts of the authorities, the flood situation in Hat Yai remains a cause for concern. The authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the people.
