Flooding in southern Thailand has claimed at least 145 lives, officials reported Friday, as receding waters reveal widespread devastation across the region.

Heavy rains triggered the floods, affecting more than 1.2 million households and around 3.6 million people in 12 southern provinces, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said eight provinces have reported fatalities, with Songkhla province hardest hit, recording at least 110 deaths.

Search and rescue operations have improved as water levels have dropped, allowing teams to reach areas previously submerged. In Hat Yai, Songkhla’s largest city, rescuers recovered more bodies as access increased, contributing to a sharp rise in the province’s death toll.

While most affected areas have seen floodwaters recede, some locations remain partially submerged. The Meteorological Department noted that rainfall has decreased in the south but warned of ongoing thunderstorms in certain areas.

The disaster has caused widespread disruption, stranding thousands of residents, flooding streets, and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles. Media from the region show extensive damage, including washed-away debris, overturned or stacked vehicles, fallen power poles, and ruined household appliances.

Authorities continue to coordinate relief and recovery efforts while urging residents to exercise caution in areas still affected by high water and strong currents.

The floods are among the deadliest in southern Thailand in recent years, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and underscoring the ongoing challenges for emergency response teams.