MALAYSIA ACTIVATES OPERATIONS ROOM AS HAT YAI FLOOD CRISIS DEEPENS

BANGKOK, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has activated its operations room in Putrajaya to strengthen coordination and ensure continued assistance for Malaysians affected by the floods in Hat Yai and surrounding districts.

The ministry said the activation of the operations room follows ongoing efforts by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla and the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok, both of which remain on full alert and continue to support Malaysians on the ground.

“To date, more than 6,300 Malaysians have safely crossed back into Malaysia, and most of those still in Hat Yai have been accounted for and are staying in multi-storey hotels,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Malaysians who have not registered or received assistance are advised to contact either the consulate general in Songkhla or the embassy in Bangkok without delay, the ministry said.

Those unable to reach the Malaysian missions in Thailand are urged to contact the operations room in Putrajaya immediately at +603-8887 4570 or e-mail dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.

Meanwhile, the Thai Cabinet on Tuesday declared the severe flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, an “emergency situation” following the worsening conditions. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul affirmed that substantial assistance has already been deployed across the affected areas.

“For any locations requiring urgent help that rescue teams have not yet reached, additional machinery and equipment will be mobilised, along with reinforced manpower and personnel as ordered,” he told reporters after chairing the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported 1,228 households in 16 subdistricts had already been evacuated and 697,231 people impacted in Songkhla province.

-- BERNAMA