Thailand's flood death toll rises to 112

2011-09-19 23:04:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll as a result from widespread flooding throughout Thailand in recent months has risen to at least 112 while two people remain missing, authorities said on Monday.

Northern Thailand has been hit by unusually heavy monsoon rains in the past months, killing dozens in flood-related incidents. People in 26 central and northeastern provinces are still affected by flooding, which has so far affected 1.5 million people in 7,688 villages, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department deputy director-general Prateep Kiratilekha said.

Meanwhile, the water levels continue to increase in many rivers across the region and authorities have warned residents in risk areas to be aware of possible flash floods and mudslides. A massive amount of run-off from the north is flowing downstream along the Chao Phraya river, which flows through the capital, the Bangkok Post reported.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's Facebook page confirmed on Monday that households which were flooded for more than seven days will each receive a 5,000 baht ($164) relief payment from the government. "These flood relief measures have already been set and approved", the message said.

Provincial governors had been instructed to urgently inspect flood-affected fields so farmers would receive prompt assistance. The Public Health, Social Development and Human Security, and Interior ministries are closely overseeing the people's well-being in flood-hit areas, the Bangkok Post reported.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-19

Several topics on the flooding are running in the Thailand news section:

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