Southern region hit by third round of flooding

NARATHIWAT, Jan 23 (TNA) - Many southern provinces face the third round of flooding, which has also impacted villagers both on Thai and Malaysian sides. The Su-ngai Kolok River remains muddy as it receives run-off from Sankala Khiri mountain range. Communities on both Thai and Malaysian sides of the river have been submerged under 1-1.50 metres. Narathiwat governor, Sitthichai Sakda declared the province’s 13 districts the disaster zone, hit by the third round off flooding and about 145,000 have been affected. In another development in Trang, after flooding in Trang receded three days ago, today, floodwater has increased in two districts – Huai Yot, Wang Wiset and the the provincial seat due to continuous rain and northern run-off, flowing down from Nakhon Si Thammarat. In the provincial seat, more than 300 houses have been flooded as parts of flood embankment along the Trang River collapsed. In some areas, flooding has continued for a month and turns foul. Director of the weather forecast office, Surapong Sarapa said the Meteorological Department has closely monitored the changing rainfall pattern, which seems to be adjusting after the drought in the past 2-4 years. Meanwhile, he added the ongoing rain will continue from Jan 23 to 25 and will start to drop from Jan 27 onwards. (TNA)