Phichit areas organise boat race to relieve stress
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Lampang airport closes
Residents of a precinct in Phichit’s Muang district organised a boat race on Monday in an attempt to alleviate stress levels after suffering from flooding for almost two months.
Competitors took part in the plastic boats they pressed into service during the flooding.
About 30 boats belonging to villagers in Pakthang precinct joined the race, which was held in a flooded area near the Pichit-Sak Lek Road. The water is currently about two metres deep.
The race was full of laughter and joy. The residents took the opportunity to meet up again after the floods had prevented them from seeing much of each other.
The organisers said the race was held in an attempt to relieve stress, as the precinct has been under water for almost two months.
Meanwhile, the airport authorities in Lampang province suspended all flights after flash floods inundated the airport compound and runways.
The pilots of a flight from Bangkok to the province, scheduled to land at 9am, were informed to divert and land in Chiang Mai instead because the runways were under water. The return flight from Lampang was cancelled.
The authority has ordered the suspension of all flights today.
Dozens of houses in the province’s Muang municipality are under water after heavy rains hit the area last night. The rain also caused a landslide in Kiew Prachao area on Lampang - Denchai Road this morning. Officials are now using bulldozers to clear the way.
Local residents were told to move their belongings to higher ground and to prepare for possible evacuation. Many main roads in the province are also under water.
Some residents were seen destroying their fences to pave the ways for floodwater in an attempt to drain the water out of the area.
