At least 145 people have died in severe flooding across southern Thailand, authorities said Friday, as water levels continue to fall and the scale of destruction becomes clearer.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that more than 1.2 million households — involving roughly 3.6 million residents — have been affected by heavy monsoon rains inundating 12 southern provinces.

Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat told reporters in Bangkok that the majority of casualties were in Songkhla, where at least 110 people have been confirmed dead. He said receding water is allowing search and rescue teams greater access to hard-hit communities.

Songkhla’s toll surged in recent days as rescue workers reached neighborhoods previously cut off by deep flooding. Local media footage showed teams navigating newly accessible areas around Hat Yai — the region’s largest urban center — and recovering additional bodies.

Officials noted that floodwaters have dropped significantly in most districts, though pockets of high water remain. The Meteorological Department said rainfall has eased but warned that thunderstorms may still develop in some southern areas.

The flooding caused widespread disruptions, stranding thousands, blocking roads and submerging homes, shops and vehicles. Images from the region on Friday showed washed-out roads, toppled utility poles, and piles of debris — including damaged appliances and uprooted belongings — lining muddy streets. Numerous abandoned cars lay overturned or stacked together after being swept away by strong currents.

Source: AP