Hatyai Hospital flooded; Nurses care for 30 newborns with only flashlights
Hatyai Hospital nurses are caring for newborns using flashlights after record-breaking floods cut power and blocked parents from reaching the hospital. The “once in 300-year” storm has submerged Hat Yai, with water reaching 2.5 metres and thousands stranded. Staff say they will continue to care for the babies despite rising floodwaters.
- Hatyai Hospital nurses care for newborns with flashlights after severe flooding disrupts electricity and access.
- Hat Yai hit by a “once in 300-year” storm, with water levels up to 2.5 metres and at least 19 deaths.
- Over 127,000 households affected across southern Thailand; neighbouring countries also impacted.
THAILAND: Severe flooding in southern Thailand has overwhelmed Hatyai Hospital, forcing nurses to care for newborn babies using flashlights after power disruptions.
The hospital reported that floodwaters had entered the premises on 24 November, advising service users to switch to Telemedicine until further notice.
Nurses Reassure Parents
Despite limited electricity and water, nurses in the Neonatal Medical Care Unit (NMCU) continue to monitor about 30 newborns whose parents cannot reach the hospital due to rising floodwaters.
Staff shared photos of the dimly lit critical care ward, writing:
“Parents, please don’t worry. Even without electricity or running water, we will take good care of the babies.”
Nurses said the infants remained calm and patient, and staff were caring for them as if they were their own children.
A “Once in 300 Years” Storm
According to authorities, the torrential rainfall hitting southern Thailand is considered a “once in 300-year” storm.
Hat Yai city recorded its heaviest rainfall in three centuries, with water levels reaching up to 2.5 metres.
Roads, homes and entire blocks are submerged, leaving thousands stranded.
At least 19 people have died across southern Thailand, mainly from electrocution and flood-related accidents.
Hospitals Under Strain
Floodwaters cut off access to the maternity ward holding around 30 newborns.
Hatyai Hospital staff described frantic conditions as electricity and water supply were partially disrupted.
Nurse Fasiya Fatonni said parents were unable to reach the hospital:
“They are worried but they can’t get here. The water is rising and all transportation is cut off.”
Another nurse, Pattiya Ruamsook, expressed concern as water levels continued rising:
“Yesterday, water covered only the first floor, now it has risen to the second floor.”
Over 500 people, including 200 inpatients, remain inside the hospital.
Wider Regional Impact
As of Monday, nine provinces in southern Thailand are still flooded, affecting more than 127,000 households. Efforts to pump water into Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand are ongoing.
The storm has also affected neighbouring countries:
- Malaysia: Over 15,000 people in shelters.
- Vietnam: 91 deaths, widespread blackouts, and massive flooding.
Authorities warn that while floods are expected to slowly ease when rainfall subsides, low-lying areas remain at high risk.
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