Bangkok: Hotels in Hat Yai are still actively engaged in pumping out underground water, despite the receding flood levels over the past eight days. As Hat Yai works towards recovery, several hotels in the inner city area are struggling to remove water from their basements. Meanwhile, schools affected by the flooding have not yet resumed normal operations.
According to Thai News Agency, today marks the eighth day since the flooding began on November 22nd. The city is undergoing revitalization and cleaning efforts, including road washing and addressing the piles of garbage that have accumulated. On Phetkasem Road, a major thoroughfare, soldiers and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) have deployed a large number of officers to quickly clear the road of garbage, resulting in a cleaner appearance.
However, many alleys remain cluttered with garbage piles, as disaster victims have left waste in front of their homes awaiting collection. The sheer volume of garbage has overwhelmed officials, preventing timely collection and exacerbating unpleasant odors.
In the heart of Hat Yai, along Niphat Uthit Road and Sanehhanusorn Road, hotels are diligently working to remove water from underground parking areas. For instance, the Diamond Hotel, with four floors of underground parking, has managed to clear water from two floors, with two more to go. This process is expected to take an additional two to four days. Cars belonging to Malaysian tourists remain trapped in the flooded basements of the hotel.
Educational institutions in Hat Yai are also grappling with flood-induced damage, hindering the resumption of classes for two weeks. Efforts are underway to restore classrooms and equipment for reopening. At Hat Yai Wittayalai School, a prominent institution with nearly 4,000 students, approximately 200 officials and volunteers are assisting in cleanup operations. A Mathayom 4 student helping with the cleanup expressed a desire to return to school and concern about falling behind.
The school's director announced plans to resume online teaching on December 9th and regular on-site classes on December 15th. Despite incomplete restoration, reopening is necessary to avoid disrupting students' education, particularly for Mathayom 6 students preparing for university entrance exams. Concerns center around the cafeteria and restrooms, prompting coordination with Hat Yai Hospital for disinfection and safety measures to ensure student well-being.