Residents of some sub-districts of Khong Chai and Kamalasai districts in Thailand’s north-eastern province of Kalasin were told to evacuate to safety areas, after a section of an embankment of the swollen Chi River partially collapsed last night (Sunday).

The conference hall in the Khong Chai district office was turned into a temporary shelter for some of the evacuees.

Local officials, including troops and emergency services, were rushed to n Ban Sadamsi, in Lam Chi sub-district of Khong Chai District, to try to repair the 15m hole in the embankment.

Due to the strong currents and darkness, the work was suspended and is expected to resume this morning.

Water from the Chi River gushed through the gap and flooded farm land and houses in Lam Chi and Khong Chai Pattana sub-districts in Khong Chai District and Chao Tha and Thanya sub-districts in Kamalasai District.

Residents of the affected villages have been advised to evacuate, if they feel they are not safe, and to move their valuables to higher ground.