Public health ministry: flood death toll rises to 18

BANGKOK, Sept 28 (TNA) – The death toll in Thailand's current round of floods has risen to 18, while nearly 190,000 patients suffering from water borne diseases have been seen by the national hospital and clinic network, according to the public health ministry.

Public Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Suphan Srithamma said the death toll
reached 18 in ten provinces with four deaths reported in Nong Bua Lum Phu,
three in Phichit, two each in Lop Buri, Prachin Buri and Saraburi and one
each
in Phisanulok, Mae Hong Son, Burirum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchabun.

Tallying the assistance to flood victims, he said 963 mobile units offered
medical service to 189,513 patients. Most of those treated -- or 41,181
people suffered from foot infections, followed by 24,561 people with
fever.

Meanwhile, three districts in the northeastern province of Kalasin have
been affected by flooding as the water level in the Chee River has risen
due to northern run-off.

Paddy fields located outside the flood control embankments are now under
water, with local residents complaining that the flooding repeats every
year. This year is the seventh time, and local residents are calling for
the local authority to extend flood prevention dikes to cover wider areas.
(TNA)