The embankment along the Yom River in Sukhothai province has collapsed in several areas, sending water from the swollen river gushing into riverside farmland and local communities.

One gaping hole in Ban Wang Yai in Wang Yai sub-district is about 100 metres long, causing excess water to sweep into Wang Yai and Wang Thong sub-districts. About 500 households are now under water.

Villagers in Wang Yai say that they have not experienced such serious flooding for many years.

Several areas downstream of the Yom River in Suwankhalok, Si Samrong and Mueang districts of Sukhothai have been flooded since Saturday.

Governor Suchart Teekhasuk led officials to inspect a breached embankment near a bridge in Mueang district and to coordinate relief efforts.

The Royal Irrigation Department has been diverting water from the Yom River into the Nan River and the Bang Rakham swamp, which is currently holding about 200 million cubic metres of water, but still has the capacity take another 200 million cubic metres.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has advised people living along the Chao Phraya River in Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to take precautions and to stay updated on thewater situation, as the water level is steadily rising.

The National Water Command Centre, meanwhile, says that the level of the Moon River in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani is expected to peak at 7.81 metres this Wednesday, before it starts to recede gradually.

Water from the river has been flooding a riverside community in municipal area for almost a week now, but most residents have refused to evacuate, insisting that they can still stay on the second floor of their houses.