Historic Rainfall Kills Dozens Across Southeast Asia

The historic severe weather season in Southeast Asia is delivering blow after blow. A rain described as a once-in-300-year event has left a Thai city flooded with several deaths now confirmed. Read on for a look at what is unfolding in this corner of the world.

Flooding Grips Southern Thailand, Killing at Least 19

At least 19 people have died after a storm sent heavy rain and floodwaters through southern Thailand to start the week. Local officials are reporting that the waters have surged over 8 feet high in one metro area, cutting off access to a maternity center that is currently home to 30 newborns.

The country's public health ministry said that the majority of the deaths have come in flood-related incidents or by electrocution in the city of Hat Yai. Located in the Songkhla province, the city is a major hub of trade and transportation in Thailand. The nation's Royal Irrigation Department said that the rain event was the most potent in 300 years, speaking to the rarity of this week's weather.

As of Monday, authorities said that nine provinces in the southern region of Thailand were experiencing extreme flooding. This flooding is impacting over 127,000 households. How wet has it been? Some areas have notched over 15 inches of accumulated rainfall. The rain has been so intense that several rivers have overflowed their banks.