Flood Worsens in Narathiwat

NARATHIWAT, Dec 20 (TNA) – Flooding along the Sungai Kolok River in Narathiwat has worsened as the water level rose to two metres from the river bank on Friday morning. Floodwater from Malaysia flowed into Narathiwat, aggravating the ongoing flooding. About 160 affected residents were forced to evacuate to temporary shelters at the Thetsaban 4 School in Sungai kolok municipality, where food and medical service have been provided to evacuees. Meanwhile, prices of farm produce have increased after agricultural areas were damaged by flood. Vegetable and fruits have been ordered and delivered from other provinces to sell at local markets. Many areas in Narathiwat have been hit by flood for the second time in one month. Local residents face repeated flood every year, particularly in flood prone areas along the Sungai Kolok River. Almost every house has a boat for travelling during a flood crisis. The Sungai Kolok municaipality said the flood prevention embankment project is under way to solve the repeated flood in the long run. So far, five districts in Narathiwat have been declared disaster zones – Sukhirin, Rueso, Si Sakhon, Waeng and Chanae. Authorities are providing urgent assistance to flood victims. (TNA)