Tropical storm triggers flood in North, Northeast

PHETCHABUN, July 19 (TNA) - Heavy rain hit many provinces due to the influence of the tropical storm “Son Tinh”, triggering floods in the North and the Northeast. The storm “SON-TINH” made landfall over Vietnam and is moving westward. It is expected downgraded to the tropical depression and the active low pressure over northern Thailand today. The meteorological department warns of heavy rain and possible flash floods in the North and the Northeast. In Phetchabun, water mass from a mountain runs into a canal downstream, overflowing its banks to flood riverside houses and farmlands in Chon Daen district. Yesterday, forest run-off inundated nine villages in Lom Sak district. Local officials and soldiers have helped villagers move their belongings to higher ground as rain continues and possible flash flood could happen again. In the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom, continueous rain increased the water level of the Mekong River to eight metres. It is now five metres under the crisis point. Canals, connecting the Mekong River are overflowing into farmlands. Meanwhile, in the eastern province of Chon Buri, Pattaya Marine office Marine Office has raised the red flag to ban fishing boats and small boats from going out to the sea due to high waves and strong wind. Passenger boats are advised to exercise caution. (TNA)