Flash Flood Threat Remains In Five Provinces

[george]

Flash flood threat remains in five provinces

NORTH THAILAND: -- The warning of flash floods and landslides remains in the five northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan and Phayao as heavy downpours are likely to continue due to the deadly depression Washi.

Soonthorn Riewluang, head of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said yesterday that although Washi had become a low-pressure system, it would continue to cause heavy rains in the North and the Northeast; therefore, the warnings still applied in the five northern provinces.

Floods have extended to eight districts, including Mae Suai and Khun Tan in Chiang Rai yesterday, affecting 77 villages.

Many villages in Doi Luang sub-district were isolated as floods cut off all their roads and bridges.

In Ubon Ratchathani province, floods affected 130 families in Ban Huay Sun village of Pho Sai district. Provincial authorities are monitoring the rising water levels in the Moon and Chi rivers and preparing rescue plans.

--Bangkok Post 2005-08-03