A boat capsized when it hit an electricity pole during flood rescue operations in southern Thailand.

The team of volunteers were delivering relief aid to stranded residents when strong currents swept their boat out of control in Trang province on November 25.

Footage shows the crew frantically trying to steer away before the vessel slammed into the wooden pole, spilling dozens of packed meals into the floodwaters

All rescuers were unharmed, but the food could not be recovered.

On November 26, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued an alert warning residents of rising water levels on the Trang River.

By 10:25 am, the river had begun to overflow, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders.

Authorities said at least 13 people have been killed in the catastrophic floods in southern Thailand, described by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as 'the worst flooding in 15 years'.

Soldiers, volunteers, and local government units have also been mobilised to hasten relief efforts, but they were hobbled by limited phone signal in the area.

The Thai navy said it was preparing to deploy 14 boats and the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet to southern Thailand, with medical teams, supplies, and field kitchens able to supply 3,000 meals a day.

The navy said in a statement: 'The fleet is ready to deliver forces and carry out actions as the Royal Navy orders.'

The Southern Eastern Meteorological Centre said a strong monsoon trough was causing the heavy rainfall, which was expected to ease this week.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.