Farms in 3 provinces still hit by severe floodwater

BANGKOK, July 21 (TNA) -- Severe flooding resulted from Tropical Storm Son Tinh in eight provinces have now eased while the situation in three other provinces remains critical, said Chayapol Thitisak, Director-General of Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Mr Chayapol said the tropical storm has ravaged 11 provinces since Tuesday, causing flash floods and landslides in those affected areas. A total of 1,909 households were affected. By early Saturday, the situation has improved as only three provinces including Kanchanaburi, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan are still encountering heavy flooding, especially in low-land areas, he said. Only 161 households in the three provinces are facing hardships while related government agencies plus army personnel have entered the affected areas and providing assistance, said Mr Chayapol. The Meteorological Department said early Saturday that active low-pressure is covering upper Laos, causing heavy rains in some parts of northern Thailand. It said the strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand with outbreaks of isolated heavy rain likely over the Eastern part of Thailand. Strong waves are estimated at 2-3 metres high in upper portions of both the Andaman and the Gulf while thundershowers lead the wave up to more than 3 metres high. Small trawlers should stay ashore, the department added. (TNA)