Torrential monsoon rains have swamped ten provinces, trapping residents and prompting mass evacuations

Days of heavy monsoon rains in southern Thailand have killed at least 13 people and displaced nearly 2 million, local media reported on Tuesday, citing official estimates.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, as of Monday, floodwaters had hit ten southern provinces, with water levels in some areas rising as high as two meters.

Local officials said the southern city of Hat Yai in the province of Songkhla, a major rubber-trading hub, has been hit the hardest, recording rainfall of 335 mm in a single day on Friday - the highest in 300 years of systematic observations. Around 7,000 foreign tourists - mostly from Malaysia and Singapore - were reported trapped in Hat Yai.

Flooding has disrupted mobile networks and electricity in several areas. The Chana Power Plant in Songkhla temporarily halted operations due to rising water, though other power stations remain functional.

Footage posted online showed entire roads underwater and brown torrents rushing through the streets of Hat Yai's commercial district. Residents were seen wading through deep water as emergency crews used boats to rescue people and deliver supplies.

Other videos showed helicopters dropping aid onto the upper floors of buildings and locals attempting to evacuate using power lines.

The government has declared several provinces disaster zones and mobilized the navy and other forces for large-scale relief operations with multiple ministries coordinating aid.

The irrigation department said it is working with other agencies and local officials to drain floodwater, deploying trucks, water pumps and propellers to divert rising waters and evacuate high-risk communities.

Flooding has also persisted in parts of Thailand's northern and central regions, where overflowing rivers have affected 11 provinces. Authorities said water levels there are generally receding, but more than 480,000 people have been impacted.

Across the border, Malaysian authorities said more than 12,000 people had been affected by floods in several northern states. Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim ordered officials to provide full emergency assistance, according to state news agency Bernama, directing federal and state agencies to speed up evacuations.