Four Hurt In Helicopter Crash, Bodies Of Two Flood Victims Found

YALA, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- A military helicopter, surveying the flood situation in Yala, southern Thailand, after the bodies of two flood victims were found in Narathiwat, crashed Sunday, injuring four people. The Bell 206 helicopter from the Yala Task Force crashed in a rubber plantation in Kampung Poyak, Mukim of Lamai, District of Muang, Yala at 1.30pm while returning after studying the flood situation in Yala. The injured pilot, who declined to be identified, said the helicopter flew from Sirinthon Camp in the Yarang District, Pattani at 1pm and crashed 30 minutes later due to strong winds. A witness, who also declined to be named, said the helicopter flew low before crashing into coconut trees. Meanwhile, also in the Yala province, the body of a teacher, Cik Abdullah Yakub, 33, reported missing since Dec 18, was found at the Pattani Dam gate this morning while his motorcycle was found on the bank of Sungai Pattani. Since Dec 15, six people have died, including two children, while three were hurt due to landslides. Floods in the Pattani region is into its third day, affecting 18,824 victims from 130 villages in 35 mukim and seven districts. A Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department spokesman said the Sungai Pattani and Sungai Saibury carried a large volume of water down to the seven districts due to the heavy rainfall in the upper reaches. Meanwhile, in Narathiwat, the body of navy Sergeant, Channarong Malichuen who was swept away while helping flood victims in Sungai Golok three days ago, was found six kilometres from the place of the incident, at 4pm, Saturday. Sungai Golok District Police chief Colonel Weasamae Saleh said, his body was found in Kampung Muba, Mukim of Pasir Mas, trapped among submerged trees. -- BERNAMA