Thailand put its military in charge of tackling a devastating flood crisis on Tuesday and readied reinforcements to evacuate thousands of people, as heavy rain hobbled relief efforts after some of the worst flooding to hit the south in years. Floodwaters running as high as 2 metres (6.6 feet) in some areas have struck nine southern provinces and killed 13 people in Thailand, while eight states in neighbouring Malaysia were inundated, across a swathe of hundreds of kilometres hit hard last year by deadly seasonal monsoon rains. Thailand’s military flew in a C-130 cargo plane with supplies of medicine, food and water and the navy said a flotilla of 14 boats and the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet would depart later on Tuesday with two helicopters, doctors and field kitchens that can supply 3,000 meals a day. “The fleet is ready to deliver forces and carry out actions as the Royal Navy orders,” the military said in a statement, adding the carrier could also serve as a floating hospital.

Full report : Thai military takes charge of flood crisis as heavy rains hobble relief effort.