Prachin Buri villages soaked as forest stream’s overflow leads to distress

Rapid rainfall across Prachin Buri province in central Thailand caused a forest stream from Thap Lan National Park to overflow into Khlong Lam Phaya Than, resulting in the flooding of five villages. It has been reported that residents are greatly distressed by the event, and schools have been ordered to close for one day.

The stream, originating between Wang Nam Khiao district in Nakhon Ratchasima and Buphram subdistrict in Prachin Buri, couldn’t drain fast enough, causing water from the stream to flood the lower-lying areas along Suwinthawong Road.

The water level increased, affecting house number 530 in Moo 10, Buphram subdistrict, causing the residents to move their belongings to higher ground and relocate their bedridden patients.

The Subdistrict Administrative Organisation issued a warning to local leaders and village heads to alert their communities to the risk of flash floods in the low-lying areas along Khlong Lam Phaya Than, reported KhaoSod.

A 59 year old resident of Buri, Khaow, reported that the water started overflowing and flooding from midnight following heavy rainfall. She stayed vigilant until around 3am when the water level rose and flooded her house, forcing her to quickly pack her belongings and move her bedridden patients to a safer location.

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod