Yala Inundated As Heavy Rain Continues

[Jai Dee]

YALA INUNDATED

Flooding has occured in Yala City municipal area after heavy downpour in the province, leading to suspensions of several classes.

The intense northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region has caused heavy downpours in the area during this period. Many roads in the heart of Yala have become flooded, and some schools in the city have to close for the day.

Flooding also occured in outlying areas, especially in Raman (รามัน) district where as many as 9 subdistricts have become inundated. Officials are now providing the assistance they can to the affected people.

The Meteorological Department this morning repeated its warning of continued heavy raining and occurences of flash floods and forest floods in the provinces along the eastern seaboard in Thailand's south, stating that such condition would prevail over the current period.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 December 2005

[Jai Dee]

YALA GOVERNOR ORDERED ALL AGENCIES TO AID PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FLOODS

Yala Governor BOONYASIT SUWANNARAT (บุณยสิทธิ์ สุวรรณรัตน์) has ordered all related agencies to mobilize assistance for the people affected by floods

Mr. BOONYASIT called an urgent meeting of related officials yesterday, following heavy flooding conditions in many areas in the province. He told all agencies to monitor the situation closely, while giving assistance to affected people.

Mr. BOONYASIT said that currently, the water level stands at around 1,900 millimeter, adding that the situation is worrying if rains continue to fall ceaselessly. He said that the Bang Lang (บางลาง) Dam can store around 420 million cubic meter of water, but the floods occurred because rain fell below the dam. He said that special mobile units have been set up to help the people, and the officials are looking for areas for evacuation of local residents.

The Yala Governor added that the local administrations have been instructed to fix transportation routes affected by the floods. He said that all districts have been told to quickly help the local people and warn them about possible floods as soon as possible.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 December 2005