Thailand face with poor weather conditions

BANGKOK, January 15 (TNA) - Severe flooding remains in southern Thailand while rains and cold spell prevail in the North. Flood situations in southern Narathiwat Province remained critical on Sunday. Sungai Kolok, Bang Nara and Sai Buri Rivers were rising rapidly with severe rains, bursting their banks and flooding local farmlands and communities in several areas. Flood situations start to improve in Songkhla Province. A road between Hat Yai District and Khlong Hoi Khong area was reopened Sunday after it had been flooded in the past four days. Local people came out to assist clean up of mud and debris on the road. Mae Sot District of Tak Province, meanwhile, faced with rains, cold weather, and thick mist. More people, especially children, had reportedly developed respiratory illness. Over in Nan Province, people were facing with drought problem. Local rivers in Chaloem Phrakiat, Thung Chang, Santisuk, Wiang Sa and Na Noi districts began to dry up bit by bit. The situation was likely to get so bad that the province might be officially declared a drought-stricken zone by next week. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department’s warning of forest run-offs and flash flood were still in place for the southern provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla and Trang due to anticipated heavy rains in the next few days. Small boats operating gin in the lower part of the Gulf of Thailand had also been warned not go offshore due to strong winds and waves. (TNA)