The current flooding in Thailand’s northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani is the worst for 17 years, with the level of the Moon River measured at 10.97 meters, at the M7 measurement station at 8am today (Friday), higher than the record set in 2002.
Ubon Ratchathani governor Sarit Vithoon, however, said that the high river level was not as serious as the widespread flooding, which has left several communities in low-lying areas as islets surrounded by water.
Government offices in the municipal area were spared the flooding today but the road to the provincial airport is still underwater.
The governor said that the condition of riverside villages in Pibun Mangsaharn and Warin Chamrab districts is of serious concern and villagers there have already sought help to move their valuables to higher ground.
The Irrigation Department has installed 60 additional water pumps at the Moon river bridge and at the far end of the river in the municipal area.
The provincial administration has been releasing updates on the flooding every 6 hours to keep people in the province informed. Two hotlines have also been set up so flood victims can call for help.
The Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said today that flooding in the five northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen and Si Sa Ket remains serious.
A summary report on flooding since August 29th, as a result of the influence of the Podul and Kajiki storms, shows that the widespread flooding has affected about 400,000 households in 6,799 villages in 32 provinces. The current death toll was put at 30.
