Sakon Nakhon airport remains closed due to flood

SAKON NAKHON, July 29 (TNA) - Heavy rain continues to hit the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon for the third consecutive days while the provincial airport announces it remains temporarily closed until 9 pm today. Relief officials have been working to help people evacuate from their homes as flash flood from the mountain range flowed into the provincial seat. Pumping floodwater into a swollen swamp and a canal, connecting the Mekong River is also difficult. More than 30,000 people living in the municipal area have been affected while some victims refused to leave their flooded homes. Sakon Nakhon governor Witthaya Chanchalong held an urgent meeting early today before more than 800 relief officials were dispatched to assist flood victims who are still stranded in their houses. Some 50 flat-bottomed boats, a helicopter and three mobile kitchens are provided to help the victims, officials said. Evacuated people are now temporary staying at a provincial stadium and a field hospital has been set up to give treatment to flood victims. (TNA)