Widespread flooding is reported in 49 districts in six southern provinces today, after more than 100mm of rain fell over the past 24 hours, according to the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Flash floods and river overflows have hit Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Trang provinces, due to a moderate to strong cold weather system over north-eastern region of Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in the strengthening of southerly and south-easterly winds, bringing increased humidity inland, according to the Meteorological Department.
In Phatthalung province, runoffs from the Banthad mountain range have flooded several sections of the Phatthalung-Trang highway, especially the section between the Srinagarind Hospital and the PTT service station, covering about one kilometre. The level of the floodwater is steadily rising.
Emergency and relief workers helped residents of two villages, in Khayad sub-district, to move their valuables to higher ground last night, as floodwater rose so fast that it caught them unprepared.
On the popular Pha-ngan resort island in Surat Thani province, widespread flooding was reported last night, inundating many houses and cars.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat province, mountain runoffs have been pouring into Khiri Wong and Lan Saka districts since last night, with several villages now under water.
The Kanchanawanit Road (the old Songkhla-Hat Yai road) was partially covered by 30-50cm of water, forcing officials to close the Hat Yai-bound lane.
Some villagers are complaining that they are yet to receive the 9,000 baht compensation promised by the government during the floods of last November and December.
