TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities located five missing Taiwanese citizens Wednesday (Nov. 26) after severe flooding in southern Thailand killed 33 people and affected over 2.7 million residents. Thai Southern Taiwan Business Association President Chiu Ying-hua (丘應華) confirmed the missing individuals made contact and relocated to safety as floodwaters began receding.
The Thai military took over rescue operations Tuesday (Nov. 25), deploying rubber boats, medical supplies, and personnel to heavily affected areas. Military forces utilized aircraft, trucks, and Thailand's only aircraft carrier for the rescue mission. Many stranded tourists, including Malaysian and Taiwanese visitors, sought help through social media.
Chiu reported floodwaters around Hat Yai's outskirts started receding, allowing the five previously unaccounted-for Taiwanese to make contact. Many disaster zone areas experienced complete mobile signal loss from Tuesday until Wednesday morning, forcing residents to rely on landline phones. The communication blackout complicated rescue efforts and delayed contact with missing persons.
Chiu highlighted ongoing challenges reaching Hat Yai's city center as high water levels obstruct standard vehicles and large military trucks. Only jet skis, small boats, and rubber rafts can currently access flood-stricken areas. He emphasized rescue plans lack clear guidance and rescuers face difficulty identifying submerged roads and hazards. ◼