Border community in Thailand hit by floods

CHIANG RAI, Aug. 27 (TNA) – A local community near the Thai-Myanmar border in northern Chiang Rai province was hit by floods following heavy rain brought by tropical storm Pakhar. The runoff from mountains in the Myanmar city of Tachileik flowed downstream into Sai River, which passes through Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. The river overflowed its banks and flooded a local street underneath the first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, forcing villagers to move their belongings to higher ground. Some vendors reportedly closed their shops and fled the flood-stricken area for fear that the floodwater could damage their selling items. The municipal authorities quickly built flood barriers along the side of Sai River to prevent water from entering the town's inner areas. The Thai Meteorological Department warned the northern, northeastern and eastern regions of bracing for heavy rain in the next 24 hours. People in low-lying areas and near mountains should beware of possible flash floods.