Landslide Warning Issued For The North

[george]

Landslide warning issued for the North

An urgent landslide warning sent residents along the border of Phrae and Phayao scurrying yesterday to move their belongings out of harm's way before the next rainstorm.

A 30-centimetre-deep fissure was found stretching 40 metres along the border, prompting fears that the soil could break away during a heavy downpour and set off a mudslide, a Mineral Resources Department official said.

Noppadol Rattanasuwan, a disaster prevention and mitigation official in Phayao, said an emergency centre had already been set up to provide assistance to the residents. The provincial weather bureau warned of possible flash floods and landslides, as a low-pressure ridge swept across the North.

Overflow from the Yom River inundated the town of Sukhothai and flooded out its provincial hall. The hardest hit areas were under 50 centimetres of water.

Oud Paengthong, who lives on the riverbank, asked defence volunteers for help after strong currents wrecked his house.

Sukhothai Governor Sukij Charoenrattanakul issued a warning for people living along the river to be on high alert and ordered officials to be prepared for emergencies.

--The Nation 2004-06-19