Thailand’s southern floods still in crisis

BANGKOK, Dec 5 (TNA) – Much of Thailand’s southern region remains submerged as heavy rains are expected to continue for the entire day. Floodwaters in Phatthalung have yet to recede, making streets almost impassable for all types of vehicles as well as forcing residents to evacuate from their flooded homes. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, many areas have become inundated following continuous rainfalls. The province’s governor called an urgent meeting in response to massive water moving from mountains and posing threats to more than 200,000 villagers. Despite lower rainfalls in Trang, widespread flooding continued to affect thousands of people. The province’s Mueang, Wang Wiset, Huai Yot, Yan Ta Khao, and Na Yong districts were reportedly under 20 centimeters to one meters of water. Similarly, flooding in Surat Thani’s seven districts near the coast remained in crisis with 50 centimeters to two meters of floodwater seen in the affected area. The provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office issued a warning for possible flash floods and mudslides in risk-prone areas. The Meteorological Department forecast continuous heavy rain in the South over the next 24 hours, urging residents to stay vigilant for possible flash floods. Provinces to be affected are Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Patthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Also, all ships are advised proceed with caution, and small boats should stay ashore during this period of time due to strong winds and high waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. (TNA)