Rescuers paddled through waterlogged neighbourhoods to reach residents trapped by severe flooding in southern Thailand, where at least 33 people have been killed.

Emergency responders braved the 13ft deep deluge as they delivered aid and evacuated stranded locals in Songkhla province on November 26.

Footage shows volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation rowing through a swamped housing estate, where residents were perched on half-finished balconies to escape the rising floodwaters.

Crew handed them essential supplies as some residents broke down in tears, claiming they had not eaten in days.

During relief efforts, officers heard cries for help from a nearby field. They found a drenched couple, who claimed they were trapped on their roof overnight when the floods swallowed their home.

The shivering pair were wrapped in an emergency thermal blanket and given first aid.

The team also rescued a hapless calf floating near a bridge. Video shows them pulling the farm animal from the swirling currents and onto their boat.

Relief efforts continued into the evening, with villagers waiting in the darkness for their turn to receive aid.

Bin Bunluerit, who led the rescue mission, said: 'Overall, the water level has fallen by nearly two metres (6.6 feet), enough that boats can no longer reach some communities. But electricity and water supplies remain cut off.'

The death toll has climbed to 33 as catastrophic floods, described by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as 'the worst flooding in 15 years', swept through southern Thailand.

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said: 'There have been 33 deaths across seven provinces. Causes of death include being swept away by currents, drowning, electrocution, and landslides.'

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 military has sent more than 200 boats, 20 helicopters and its lone aircraft carrier, the Chakri Naruebet, to deliver essential supplies and carry out rescue efforts.

Songkhla's Hat Yai district was among the worst-hit areas, which saw a record 13 inches (335 mm) of rain in a single day on November 21.

Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo on Monday declared all 16 districts disaster zones and ordered the immediate evacuation of children, the elderly and the sick.

On Sunday, high-clearance trucks arrived to evacuate more than 400 tourists from flooded hotels across the city.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said that floods hit nine southern provinces, affecting some 1,128,284 households and 3,221,958 people.

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.