Flood: About 33,500 Families In Southern Thailand Affected

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, Dec. 1 (Bernama) -- Sporadic heavy rain since Nov 25 had resulted in flooding in many parts of southern provinces in Thailand, affecting about 33,500 families. The provinces of Patthalung and Songkhla were badly hit by floods due to the heavy rain, and six schools and all nurseries in Songkhla were closed to ensure the safety of students and children. Director-general of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Boontham Lertsukhikasem said as of today, Phatthalung and Songkhla as well as Narathiwat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani, remain flooded. “A total of 24,748 families were affected in Phatthalung. However, the situation is improving as the water level in the flood-affected areas have subsided. “In Narathiwat, a total of 6,078 families were affected following heavy rain. As the situation improves, three districts in the province remain flooded,” he said in a statement today. Meanwhile, in Songkhla, a total of 2,357 families were affected, as well as in Nakhon Si Thammarat (250 families), and Surat Thani (60 families). Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department said isolated heavy to very heavy rain is expected from today till tomorrow at Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang, and Satun province. It said isolated heavy rain is expected at Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang, and Satun on Thursday. “The strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand and the south while the low-pressure cell over the lower South China Sea will move to the coast of Malaysia. “Isolated heavy to very heavy rains are likely in the south. People in the risky areas should beware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods,” it said. -- BERNAMA