Water levels fall slightly in Sukhothai but rise in Phitsanulok

The floodwater began to stabilise after soldiers worked to build a gabion barrier behind the eroded flood wall.

As the next step, another gabion wall line will be built 50 metres behind the first one to stop the flow from the Yom River. This measure is likely to affect some nearby residents but will protect most areas.

Despite the improving overall situation, however, some floodwater continues to emerge from sewers at some locations.

Mayor Pichate Thaikla of Sukhothai municipality said he is awaiting clarity on compensation from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during her visit to the province today.

Meanwhile, the water levels continue to rise in Phitsanulok, with northern runoff from Phrae and Sukhothai and continuous rain causing the Yom River to overflow, flooding homes and farmlands in Phrom Phiram district.

Water from the old Yom River flooded homes, paddy fields and other agricultural area in the district as the Tha Ma Kham Canal, a branch of Yom River, also overflowed.

Residents quickly moved their valuable possessions to higher ground fearing that the water would rise even further due to continuous rain since early morning.

Many farmers harvested their crops early to ease damage from the flood after more than 2,000 rai of paddy field were under water.

The Royal Irrigation Department Phitsanulok office diverted water from the Yom River to the old Yom River to reduce the volume of water passing through Sukhothai, causing flooding in four subdistricts of Phrom Phiram.