Floods Recede In Thailand's South

[george]

Floods recede in Thailand's south

BANGKOK: -- The weekend’s floods in Thailand’s southern provinces have receded, but the meteorological department has warned of possible flash floods in the northern tier of provinces due to heavy rain.

Floods in the southern province of Phangna have receded but floodwaters are still as high as one metre in some areas and villagers are in need of food and drinking water. Some villages are entirely isolated from the outside world.

In the southern province of Trang, flooding has also receded but low- lying areas are still fed by swollen canals. About 100 homes have been affected and about 400 acres of rubber plantation, orchards and fish ponds are flood.

In Satun, floods receded to normal after rain stopped on Monday except some areas in Langu district. According to the initial

assessment, about 25,000 people in seven districts were affected by flooding.

Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara said the disaster response centre under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters worked with provincial and local government workers to aid flood victims in all areas.

Army mobile medical units were dispatched to work in flooded areas.

The meteorological department issued a wide ranging flash flood warning in the southern region.

The department said heavy rain continues in all regions.

Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Nong Khai, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, and Kanchanaburi provinces have been put on alert for flash floods including forest run-off.

-- TNA 2009-07-14