A celebrity volunteer today dismissed a claim, by Government Spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat, that the death toll from flooding in Hat Yai was only seven, including those who were electrocuted and were taken to hospitals.
Nakorn Silachai, told TV news anchor Sorayuth Suthassanachinda that he and his teammates had found five people drowned in a single-storey house, in which the floodwaters had reached the roof, and three more bodies were seen floating in the strong currents.
He also said that he had to abandon the deceased, because his first priority was to help evacuate the stranded living victims, adding that he believes the death toll from drowning is much higher than the seven deaths claimed by the government spokesman.
Other volunteers have appealed for a supply of body bags.
Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, of the Rural Doctor Society, urged the government to come up with a clear protocol for dealing with the dead.
Meanwhile, the Songklanagarind Hospital announced today that many fatalities have been taken there, adding that they will have to verify the identities of the decedents, in accordance with procedure.
The hospital expressed its condolences to relatives of the dead and said it cannot release their remains to them until they are properly documented.
