ID :
31515
Fri, 11/21/2008 - 19:14
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/31515
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Five die, schools close as flooding rages in southern provinces
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Nov 21 (TNA) - Five people have died in flash flooding in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, according to the provincial response disaster service, with the floods forcing many schools to close and thousands of schoolchildren to stay home.
Disaster prevention and mitigation officials report at least Bt210 million in damages in the province, with more than 150,000 residents affected. Almost the entire province has been flooded for several days, while torrential forest runoffs have hit two more districts in Surat Thani.
Fifty schools are temporarily closed in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Local residents in the provincial seat moved their most prized--and portable--possessions to higher ground and many government offices have closed in the face of metre-deep floodwaters.
About 20 oceanfront fishing community homes in Pak Phanang and Hua Sai districts were struck by waves as large as three metres high. Strong winds and high waves capsized a fishing boat at a pier in Sichon district.
In Surat Thani, six districts--Chaiya, Tha Chang, Khirirat Nikhom, Kanchanadit and Donsak--were declared disaster zones due to flash floods.
Forest run-off destroyed a number of homes in Wipawadee district, but rescue workers were unable to access them as roadways are submerged or washed away.
Khiri Ratthanikhom, Tha Chang, and Chaiya districts were hit by flash flooding Thursday night following flooding in Don Sak and Kanchanadit and many roads in the provincial seat are flooded. Some areas are under three metres of water, but no causalities have been reported.
Wind, heavy rain and rough seas mean that ferry boats and fisheries have been on alert in provincial waters.
The Meteorological Department on Thursday issued the fifth warning of severe weather from a strong northeast monsoon over the lower south of Thailand, causing torrential rain and heavy downpour over the areas.
Residents on Thailand's east coast, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Patthani, Yala and Narathiwat should beware of flash flood and forest run-off during the next three days. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should keep ashore. (TNA)
Disaster prevention and mitigation officials report at least Bt210 million in damages in the province, with more than 150,000 residents affected. Almost the entire province has been flooded for several days, while torrential forest runoffs have hit two more districts in Surat Thani.
Fifty schools are temporarily closed in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Local residents in the provincial seat moved their most prized--and portable--possessions to higher ground and many government offices have closed in the face of metre-deep floodwaters.
About 20 oceanfront fishing community homes in Pak Phanang and Hua Sai districts were struck by waves as large as three metres high. Strong winds and high waves capsized a fishing boat at a pier in Sichon district.
In Surat Thani, six districts--Chaiya, Tha Chang, Khirirat Nikhom, Kanchanadit and Donsak--were declared disaster zones due to flash floods.
Forest run-off destroyed a number of homes in Wipawadee district, but rescue workers were unable to access them as roadways are submerged or washed away.
Khiri Ratthanikhom, Tha Chang, and Chaiya districts were hit by flash flooding Thursday night following flooding in Don Sak and Kanchanadit and many roads in the provincial seat are flooded. Some areas are under three metres of water, but no causalities have been reported.
Wind, heavy rain and rough seas mean that ferry boats and fisheries have been on alert in provincial waters.
The Meteorological Department on Thursday issued the fifth warning of severe weather from a strong northeast monsoon over the lower south of Thailand, causing torrential rain and heavy downpour over the areas.
Residents on Thailand's east coast, including Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Patthani, Yala and Narathiwat should beware of flash flood and forest run-off during the next three days. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should keep ashore. (TNA)
