Heavy Flooding In Thailand Forces Closure Of Nearly 800 Schools

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Heavy flooding forces closure of nearly 800 schools

SONGKHLA, Nov 1 - Widespread floods which have impacted almost every region of Thailand have forced the temporary closure of nearly 800 schools, but the Economic Ministers meeting on Monday approved a budget of Bt136 million (US$4.5 million) to help flood-affected students nationwide.

Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said that so far 676 schools have been flooded in the central and northeastern provinces since mid-October including Ayutthaya, Chainat, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothorn, forcing postponement of the new semester for another week.

On Monday, heavy rains also triggered floods in the southern province of Songkhla, forcing the closure of 116 schools in the province.

The Songkhla Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 said some schools will close for only three days, while other will be closed indefinitely awaiting assessment of the flood situation as heavy rain continues in the province.

In Hat Yai, the commercial hub of the South, the municipality raised its alert warning to the public due to the higher flood water level from incessant rainfall.

The situation in four other districts of Songkhla--Sadao, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi and Chana-- is also worrisome.

The flood in Na Thawi district is currently at a critical level, covering 10 subdistricts. The water with 1.5-metre depth has flooded Na Thawi Hospital, forcing health workers to evacuate 40 inpatients to Chana Hospital and other nearby hospitals.

The Meteorological Department Monday morning warned of a tropical depression in the lower gulf of Thailand which was centered about 350 km southeast of Songkhla and that the storm is expected to move to the lower South of Thailand on Monday evening and Tuesday.

People in at risk areas along hill slopes near waterways and in the lowlands should beware of severe weather and possible flash floods. Likely critical areas include Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

Meanwhile, Mr Chinnaworn said the economic ministers meeting on Monday approved in principle Bt136 million of budget to help 120,000 flood-hit students.

Mr Chinnaworn said the meeting agreed with the emergency assistance plan proposed by the education ministry that Bt70 million will be spent for student uniforms and teaching equipment, while another Bt66 million is set aside for 120,000 sets of textbooks.

The ministers also agreed to rehabilitation measures after the floodwaters recede, with damages expected at around Bt450 million (US$15 million) (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-11-01