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147123
Fri, 10/22/2010 - 17:53
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http://m.oananews.org//node/147123
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Death toll in Thai floods rises to 17
BANGKOK, Oct 22 – Thailand’s widespread floods have claimed 17 lives while rescue teams continued searching for one missing person, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Disaster services Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong reported heavy rains have triggered floods in many areas. Seventeen deaths were reported in eight provinces, four each in Nakhon Ratchasima, Lop Buri and Buri Ram, one eachin Rayong, Sa Keao, Chaiyaphum, Trat and Sara Buri.
One Cambodian migrant worker was injured in Trat flooding, while another person remains missing in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Mr Wiboon said the deaths were caused by drowning and flood-related electrocution. Most of victims were elderly people and children who were let to swim and play in flooding.
The director-general warned the flood-hit residents to stay away from electric post due to possible electrical short circuiting and avoid staying in water for long period as they may drown from cramps.
Mr Wiboon also advised the public not allow children to play in water as strong currents could sweep them away and not to drive cars into inundated areas.
Rescue team continued searching for one missing person in Nakhon Ratchasima, said Mr Wiboon, adding flood victims can seek help from disaster service offices in 75 provinces across the country or contact hotline call 1784 around the clock.
Dr Narong Sahamethapath, deputy permanent secretary for Public Health, on Friday said the ministry is closely monitoring possible spread of five diseases which usually occur in flood situation.
The five diseases are diarrhea, leptospirosis, influenza, pneumonia and conjunctivitis, said Dr Narong, advising affected residents to avoid staying in floodwaters and have enough sleep so that their bodies will have immunity to diseases.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnveerakul on Friday instructed governors of 14 central provinces and Bangkok to be on alert for possible flash floods during October 24-27.
The Meteorologcal Department earlier reported high tides from October 24 through 27 and possible rainfall in the central region.
Mr Chavarat instructed risk provinces to closely monitor the situation, set up provincial emergency response centres so that rescue operations can reach flood victims immediately.
The minister also asked the provinces to prepare alternative route for evacuation of local residents in case main roads are cut off.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director-general also reported to the meeting that 186 districts of 29 provinces have been flooded, and that reservoirs along the Chaopraya River can still hold water.
Authorities however needed to release water at Pa Sak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri as the amount has exceeded the dam's capacity.
Residents in nearby areas may be affected but more emergency workers have been deployed to help them. (MCOT online news)
Disaster services Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong reported heavy rains have triggered floods in many areas. Seventeen deaths were reported in eight provinces, four each in Nakhon Ratchasima, Lop Buri and Buri Ram, one eachin Rayong, Sa Keao, Chaiyaphum, Trat and Sara Buri.
One Cambodian migrant worker was injured in Trat flooding, while another person remains missing in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Mr Wiboon said the deaths were caused by drowning and flood-related electrocution. Most of victims were elderly people and children who were let to swim and play in flooding.
The director-general warned the flood-hit residents to stay away from electric post due to possible electrical short circuiting and avoid staying in water for long period as they may drown from cramps.
Mr Wiboon also advised the public not allow children to play in water as strong currents could sweep them away and not to drive cars into inundated areas.
Rescue team continued searching for one missing person in Nakhon Ratchasima, said Mr Wiboon, adding flood victims can seek help from disaster service offices in 75 provinces across the country or contact hotline call 1784 around the clock.
Dr Narong Sahamethapath, deputy permanent secretary for Public Health, on Friday said the ministry is closely monitoring possible spread of five diseases which usually occur in flood situation.
The five diseases are diarrhea, leptospirosis, influenza, pneumonia and conjunctivitis, said Dr Narong, advising affected residents to avoid staying in floodwaters and have enough sleep so that their bodies will have immunity to diseases.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnveerakul on Friday instructed governors of 14 central provinces and Bangkok to be on alert for possible flash floods during October 24-27.
The Meteorologcal Department earlier reported high tides from October 24 through 27 and possible rainfall in the central region.
Mr Chavarat instructed risk provinces to closely monitor the situation, set up provincial emergency response centres so that rescue operations can reach flood victims immediately.
The minister also asked the provinces to prepare alternative route for evacuation of local residents in case main roads are cut off.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director-general also reported to the meeting that 186 districts of 29 provinces have been flooded, and that reservoirs along the Chaopraya River can still hold water.
Authorities however needed to release water at Pa Sak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri as the amount has exceeded the dam's capacity.
Residents in nearby areas may be affected but more emergency workers have been deployed to help them. (MCOT online news)
