Chi River In Isaan Is Main Worry: Thailand Flood

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Chi river in Isaan is main worry

By The Nation

Fear of flash floods; landslide alert also in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Mudslides are still a threat in Nakhon Si Thammarat which saw two major incidents during the peak flooding last week while flash floods are still possible in northeastern provinces of Maha Sarakham, Buri Ram and Roi Et, according to a warning released yesterday by the government flood relief war room.

The three northeastern provinces are at the greatest risk as they are located along the everbrimming Chi River which is still prone to sudden swelling, said the report. Residents living near mountainous areas in Nakhon Si Thammarat are advised to maintain caution for possibe mudslides and those living in lowlying areas for flash floods.

The war room issued three measures to deal with possible flash flooding expected today - first in the South in four districts in Surat Thani, and possible mudslides also in Phatthalung; second in the six northeastern provinces along the Chi River including Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon and Kalasin; and third, rapid flood drainage in nine central provinces now faced with stagnant flooding.

Hat Yai district in Songkhla is facing some 10,000 tonnes of garbage and debris which should take at least five days to remove after the restoration work is nearly complete, said mayor Phrai Phatthano. The Muang Songkhla municipality is suffering Bt250 million in damage to public and private property and requires an equally huge amount of money in restoration costs, Mayor Pheera Tantiseranee said.

Aerial patrols for more bodies belonging to fishing trawler crews are continuing after 17 bodies have been retrieved from beaches and the sea. All the bodies are stored at Yaring and Pattani hospitals for identification.

Survival kits given by His Majesty have been distributed to Muslim clerics and imams in Narathiwat in addition to a large amount of royally contributed rations and relief supplies already delivered to flood victims across the country.

In his weekly television address yesterday morning, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Cabinet would today consider and likely approve assistance for floodcaused damage to groups of victims not qualified for government aid money or other forms of help, including distribution of free seeds or samplings in the postflooding cultivation.

The prime minster also thanked relief and other relevant agencies for their assistance along with the public members and the media for their contribution, before he honoured Watcharat Bunrit, a senior Chana district official in Songkhla who drowned while going out on a relief mission. He later attended his funeral in Surat Thani and gave money to his mother.

-- The Nation 2010-11-08