Thousands hit by floods in south
Homes, schools and businesses across many southern provinces have been hit by floods over the past few days, with tens of thousands of residents affected.
Surat Thani yesterday declared Kanchanadit district a disaster zone after 3,200 residents suffered flooding and 200 rai of farmland was inundated, causing an estimated Bt8 million in damage.
Locals in areas at risk from runoff, landslides and coastal erosion due to high waves were warned to prepare for worse, as the Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rain.
Around 3,000 households in Muang and Khaun Khanun districts in Phatthalung were hit when floods swamped their homes and 10,000 rai of farmland. People there were warned to keep a close eye on weather forecasts.
In Narathiwat, flood victims total about 13,500 people in 4,000 households across 13 districts. Sungai Padi district was been hit hardest in the province, with more than 5,000 residents affected.
Rangers from the 45th Ranger Regiment yesterday distributed royal-sponsored relief bags to residents of flood-hit areas in Rangae district. Rangers were also sent to Konae School in Rangae, which was a metre underwater, to move desks, chairs and school equipment to higher ground. Flooding also forced two other schools in the province to close.
