Tourists Warned To Flee As River Pai Rises

Tourists warned to flee guesthouses as River Pai rises

MAE HONG SON: -- Tourists in this northern province of Mae Hong Son were urged to leave their guesthouses on the banks of the River Pai today amid increasing fears that the continuing torrential rain could lead to flash floods.

Tourist police in Pai district issued the urgent warning to tourists in around 25 riverbank guesthouses this morning following another night of heavy rain, with the River Pai rising at an alarming rate.

The provincial meteorological office this morning forecast further rain and flooding, and urged anyone living near the banks of the Pai to evacuate their houses, and to move their animals and belongings to higher ground.

Pai district chief, Mr. Suwit Srisa-nga, called on village headmen to oversee the evacuation, and said that he had organized teams of volunteers to help tourists and residents leave the area safely.

-- TNA 2004-07-27