Orthodox Christian parishes across Thailand have taken part in providing aid to victims of the massive floods that swept through the country’s southern provinces last week, according to the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia.

Local authorities report that at least 181 people have been killed and nearly four million residents affected by the natural disaster. Roads have been destroyed, homes severely damaged, and hundreds of thousands evacuated as floodwaters in some areas rose to three meters.

In response to the crisis, Orthodox parishes throughout Thailand organized a special collection on 30 November, held with the blessing of Metropolitan Sergius, acting administrator of the Thai Diocese. The effort raised 40,000 baht, which has been transferred to the Thai Red Cross under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The flooding was triggered by days of torrential rainfall. Reuters reported that among the worst-hit locations was Hat Yai, Thailand’s fifth-largest city and a major hub for the rubber trade. Residents were evacuated by any possible means, including jet skis, after the city saw 335 millimeters of rain in a single day—its heaviest daily rainfall in three centuries.

A similar situation unfolded across the provinces of Songkhla, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, and Yala. The Thai military was deployed to assist rescue operations, delivering medical supplies by air, setting up field kitchens, and helping transport stranded residents to safety.

This week, cleanup operations began in the hardest-hit provinces as authorities worked to restore electricity and water supplies. According to local media, the Ministry of Interior has opened public kitchens to distribute hot meals, and 26,000 affected residents are expected to receive compensation.