BANGKOK – Heavy downpour has caused floods in five provinces in southern Thailand.
The country’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said a total of 209 villages and 3,136 households in five southern provinces namely Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla have been affected following heavy rains since Wednesday.
“Chumphon province in southern Thailand is the worst hit province with 153 villages and 2,683 households affected.
“The floods also reportedly claimed two lives,” the department said in a statement here, today.
Meanwhile, Chumphon deputy governor Somporn Patchimphet said continuous heavy downpour since Wednesday has triggered flooding at five districts in the province.
“To date, about 10,000 people have been affected,” he said, adding that the flood water has overflowed onto roads causing the closure of part of Highway 41 that links southern Thailand and Bangkok.
Meanwhile, English news portal, The Nation reported railway services on the southern line between Chumphon’s Sawi and Khao Suan Thurian train stations will be suspended due to heavy rain and flash flooding.
Eight trains have been cancelled due to flooding, it said.
Thailand’s Metrological Department said strong northeast monsoon prevailed across the Gulf and the South of Thailand with heavy to very heavy rains in some areas.
“People should be aware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows. Residents along the Gulf should be aware of inshore surge,” the department said in a statement. – Bernama, November 13, 2021