Lom Sak district of Phetchabun province is experiencing the worst flooding in 20 years, after the swollen Pa Sak River broke its banks and swept into the district’s township and surrounding areas, following heavy rainfall over the past few days.
District officials said that the water level in the Pa Sak River rose by almost a metre and the strong currents have broken through parts of the flood wall, sending water pouring into 11 communities in the municipal area, particularly the commercial district, which covers Nachee and Phitak roads, the Lom Sak market and museum.
The flood levels in the district township range from 50-100cm, making some roads impassable.
Local residents in Lomsak district of Phetchabun province use a rope to navigate a flooded road after the district was hard hit by inundation yesterday.
Most residents had already moved their valuable belongings to higher ground, after they were warned in advance of possible flooding, for the third time this year.
In Tarn Diew sub-district, three boys were swept away by the currents, but managed to grab and hold onto a large tree in the middle of a field, until being rescued by an emergency team.
Chaichana Lor-uthai, a resident of Lom Sak district, said that it is fortunate that the flooding occurred during the daytime and that people had been warned in advance.
District chief officer Parkpoom Phumee said he has ordered territorial defence volunteers to help residents move their valuables to higher ground and to reinforce the riverside floodwall, to prevent it from being further breached by the strong currents.
Latest reports indicate that the water level in the river has fallen by an average of 10cm and the situation is expected to return to normal soon.
