Floods In Thai South Expanding

BANGKOK, November 23 (TNA) - Inundations are expanding in the Thai South, with floodwater in Trang Province having been over one metre deep in some areas, forcing many local schools to have been temporarily closed. Powerful flash floods have continued flowing into Muang Trang District's Nayong Tai locality with their depths ranging from 30 centimetres to 1.20 metres. Floodwater has also been rising at Wat Khok Phikul School, prompting the closure of the school for the second consecutive day. Forceful water flows in the Nang Noi Canal in Muang Trang District's Khok Lo locality have been tearing its banks and seriously worrying local people; while water levels in the Trang River have kept rising by about one metre, with Muang Trang, Huay Yod and Wang Wiset Districts having been, therefore, declared flash flash-prone areas. In Phatthalung Province, expanding runoffs have hit Muang Phatthalung and Kong La Districts, submerging local schools, temples and communities under nearly one metre floodwater, damaging many roads and disrupting normal traffic. In Songkhla Province, water in the U-tapao Canal has been overflowing to hundreds of rai (2.5 rai = 1 acre) of rubber plantations in Ban Thung Charoen of Khlong Hoi Khong District's Thung Lan locality, prompting provincial authorities to order officials concerned in all 16 districts be on high alert to deal with possible flash floods and landslides in their respective areas. (TNA)