Death toll rises to 41 in Thailand's flood-stricken areas

Death toll rises to 41 in Thailand's flood-stricken areas

2010-10-25 20:02:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll has risen to 41 in Thailand's flood-stricken provinces, the National Institute of Emergency Management said Monday.

"Water is flowing into the Chao Phraya at Ayutthaya's Bang Sai district at about 3,275 cubic meters (10,745 cubic feet) per second but the river could get higher due to the approaching northern runoff and high tides during this period," said deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department Weera Wongsaengnak. "Authorities will try to prevent the rate from exceeding 3,500 metres per second," he added.

The river runoff could reach Bangkok this weekend as authorities are trying to maintain its level of no more than 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), while trying to prevent the Chao Phraya Dam's level at less than 17.1 meters (56.1 feet) above its normal level.

In addition, the Mun River has begun to overflow as well, causing evacuation in municipalities Ubon Ratchathani city and Warin Chamrap. The water level in the Chi River in Ubon Ratchathani's Khueang Nai district was about 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) above the average level, and some farms were already flooded.

"I've instructed the Mental Health Department to help people in flooded areas because flooding can also cause emotional stress," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said, adding that the Public Health Ministry will be dispatching mobile medical units to aid people who are suffering from stress caused by heavy flooding.

"I'm still worried about the flood barriers in Bangkok and Nonthaburi even though the situation is under control. I've told officials to stay alert and work cautiously," Abhisit added.

The affected provinces include Kamphaengphet, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Rayong, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat and Nakhon Sawan each reporting from one to three recent deaths.

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