19 drown in two southern Thai provinces

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- Nineteen persons in the southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani drowned when severe flooding ravaged the South earlier this month.

The Nakhon Si Thammarat disaster resonse service said 22 of 23 districts in the province were hard hit by floods during the past 20 days with Pak Phanang district being most affected, with many villages still flooded.

Latest statistics showed that 14 persons drowned, over 315, 000 rai of crops were destroyed, nearly 76,000 of liverstock died and about 1,840 roads, bridges and weirs were damaged. Damage in the province was initially estimated at Bt345 million.

In neighbouring Surat Thani, the Ta Pee River overflowed Friday and inundated nearby villages.

An 80-year-old man and a young girl were drowned, bringing the total victims to five.

About 380 villagers who were trapped in a village following a flash flood and mudslide are now staying at a relief centre for the eighth day Saturday and cannot return to their homes as roads are cut and vehicles are still unable to pass through.

Royally-sponsored medical teams are providing care to them.

-- TNA 2008-11-29

Anyone know exactly which Amphurs were hardest hit in Nakorn Sri Thammarat?