Heavy flood hits south Thailand, kills 11 people

Illustrative image (Source: bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok (VNA) - Heavy flood that resulted from downpours has hit southern Thailand, claiming at least 11 lives, according to local media.

Two others remain missing from the disaster which began on December 1 in the ten southern provinces

As many as 157,580 families in 68 districts are being affected from the flood, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said.

Torrential rains has also paralised four train routes, damaged 2,400 hectares of farmland and caused mudslides in the affected provinces.

The Thai government has issued an urgent directive to all public disaster prevention centres to closely watch for landslides and flash floods in the region and to be on standby to deploy rescue and relief teams and materials to areas where they are needed.   

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered local government agencies to coordinate efforts to help flood victims.-VNA