NARATHIWAT, Dec 25 – Thirteen districts of this southern border province have been flooded, forcing the closure of schools, while one district in Surat Thani province was declared disaster zone on Tuesday.
In Narathiwat, 13 districts have been inundated by floodwaters up to 50 centimetres deep. Three schools were temporarily closed as classrooms were flooded, while 20 roads were impassable.
The Su-ngai Kolok and Bang Nara rivers overflowed, forcing the evacuation of residents of eight communities in Su-ngai Kolok district to higher ground.
In the southern province of Surat Thani, Kanchanadit district has been declared flood disaster zone following forest runoff affecting 1,200 households.
Residents were also warned of further forest runoff, landslides and strong wind-wave.
Meanwhile, Trang disaster response chief Amnuay Chantharat said 12 waterfalls in four districts remain closed for the second week for the safety of tourists due to continuous rain, particularly Kachong and Sairung waterfalls where water levels have increased.
Visiting Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said he has instructed military personnel in the South to provide assistance to flood victims. The army chief said he believes the situation will return to normal in the next few days.
