Flooding situation in South worsens
Flooding in Thailand's southern province of Trang has spread to wider areas after continued heavy rain, with some villages under more than one metre of water.
Many schools have been forced to close for the second day due to the severe flooding.
Forest run-off has inundated Na Yong Tai sub-district in the provincial seat, and floodwater is 0.30 to 1.20 metres deep.
Strong water flow from Khlong Nang Noi in Khok Lo sub-district has eroded the embankment and threatened homes along the canal, which are now at risk of collapsing into the waterway.
The Trang River has risen by one metre, putting five sub-districts--Huai Tot’s Lamphu Ra, Wang Wiset’s Saba, and the provincial seat’s Na Ta Luang, Na Yong Tai and Bang Rak - at risk of flash flooding.
Provincial authorities have prepared flat-bottomed boats to transport assistance to flood victims.
In Songkhla, Khlong U-Tapao overflowed and flooded a rubber plantation at Ban Thung Charorn in Khlong Hoi Khong’s district Tung Lan area. The owners fear the water could remain in the plantation for an extended period, causing the rubber trees to perish.
Provincial authorities are closely monitoring the flood situation and forest run-off, which could trigger landslides.
In nearby Phatthalung province, 500 households in Mae Khari sub-district of Tamot district have been affected by forest run-off after three days of rain.
The authorities prepared three pumps and are monitoring the situation around the clock to prevent forest run-off from flooding in business districts and other economic areas.
Flooding also reportedly hit Nakhon Si Thammarat as heavy rain across the Taloompuk peninsula felled many large trees.
The Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued a warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves in southern Thailand.
The agency said that today and tomorrow (Nov 23-24), the strong northeast monsoon would prevail over the Gulf and southern Thailand. Heavy rain is likely on the southeast coast from Surat Thani southwards.
Residents of at-risk areas in the foothills near waterways and in the lowlands should be aware of forest floods and other flooding. Provinces under close watch are Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung’ Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang and Satun.
Waves in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach 2-3 metres high. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats keep ashore during the period, it warned.
