Bangkok: The death toll from the devastating floods sweeping across southern Thailand has surged to 145, government officials confirmed Friday, marking one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters in years. Songkhla province, the worst-hit area, accounts for 110 fatalities, with floodwaters inundating entire communities and crippling local infrastructure.

The widespread flooding, triggered by days of relentless rainfall, has submerged large sections of southern Thailand, particularly Hat Yai district, a bustling commercial hub near the Malaysian border. Streets have transformed into rivers, forcing thousands to flee to higher ground. Many residents were rescued from rooftops as waters rose to dangerous levels.

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced the updated casualty figures, noting that the scale of destruction continues to challenge rescue operations. In Hat Yai, one hospital reported that its morgue had reached full capacity.

Despite the ongoing challenges, authorities say the worst may now be behind them. Paradorn Prissananantakul, director of the Flood Relief Operations Centre, stated that officials are shifting their focus from emergency response to long-term recovery.

“We will now move into the rehabilitation phase and work to restore cities to normal as quickly as possible,” Paradorn said.

More than 14,000 residents have already been evacuated, with emergency shelters operating at full capacity.