Last week, as floodwaters inundated their home in Hat Yai city, Songkhla province, southern Thailand, the 8 members of the Amphorn Kaeophengkro family were unable to escape and rushed to the second floor.

"We only thought about survival and wanted everyone to be safe," said Kaeophengkro, 44, to Reuters today, recounting the event.

A part of Hat Yai city submerged in floodwaters on 26/11. Photo: AFP

The floodwaters continued to rise, causing many items on the second floor to float. For the next 48 hours, the family clung to a table, a washing machine, and a window ledge – the last dry and stable spots – to avoid being submerged in the floodwaters.

"Sometimes we had to lift our feet to avoid being submerged for too long," she recalled.

The Kaeophengkro family is now beginning to clean their home after the water receded. Daily life continues by candlelight, as it remains unclear when the power grid will be restored in Hat Yai and neighboring areas.

The Amphorn family dines in Hat Yai city, southern Thailand, on 28/11. Photo: Reuters

On 21/11, Hat Yai city recorded 335 mm of rainfall, the highest one-day total in the area over the past 300 years. Residents did not receive clear warnings from authorities as floodwaters rose rapidly, trapping many inside their homes.

The floods affected 9 southern Thai provinces, resulting in 162 deaths. Songkhla province was the hardest hit, with 126 fatalities. Approximately 16,000 people were evacuated to emergency shelters.

Thanh Tam (Reuters)