BANGKOK, Aug 17 – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry reported Wednesday that 31 persons have died and over 27,000 others have become sick due to the flooding in the country’s northern and northeastern provinces.
Thirty-one deaths were reported, two in Chiang Mai, four in Sukhothai, two in Sakon Nakhon, eight in Phrae, three in Nakhon Phanom, seven in Mae Hong Son, two in Roi Et and one each in Udon Thani, Phetchabun and Tak.
One person who has gone missing in the flooding was reported in Mae Hong Son.
Meanwhile, 27,863 residents fell ill during the floods, Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said, explaining that most patients suffered from athlete’s foot, but no serious epidemics have arisen from flood-related situations.
According to reports from 129 mobile medical units dispatched to 12 flood-hit provinces, 1,173 flood victims are facing psychological problems.
One hundred and five persons feel highly stressed, 189 persons are suffering from depression and counselors suggest that 51 persons are at risk of committing suicide. Meanwhile, another 85 patients are stressed and need to be under close monitoring.
In another related development, Udon Thani Governor Komsan Ekkachai ordered related agencies in the province to brace for possible flash floods in several areas after the overnight incessant heavy rain triggered floods in one zone of Udon Thani municipality. However, the floodwaters have receded.
In Loei province, the overnight heavy rainfall triggered forest run-off to flood three villages in Na Duang district, according to district chief Narong Jeen-arm.
Floods and torrential waterflow obstructed traffic and affected some 100 homes, 10 fish farming ponds, and around 1,000 rai of farmland.
