Bangkok (VNA) – Many Thai localities are facing flooding due toprolonged downpours.
According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, nine provincesin the northeast region of Thailand, namely Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, AmnatCharoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Bung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Roi-et, Kalasin andYasothon, have been affected by flood caused by heavy rain and the rising waterlevel in Mekong River.
Hardest hit is Nakhon Phanom where overflow of water of the Mekong river hasinundated many areas in 12 districts, affecting more than 12,000 householdswith nearly 27,000 people, along with thousands of hectares of farm land.
Earlier, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) warned residents in western andsouthern localities to move to higher places in case dams in the areas couldoverflow. The department said that Kaeng Krachan dam in Phetchaburi province,Srinagarindra and Vajiralongkorn dams in Kanchanaburi, and Pranburi dam inPrachuap Khiri Khan have caused concerns.
Thailand is in the middle of its rainy season which often sees downpours. TheMeteorological Department said more downpours are expected between August 7-9.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is due to visit Phetchaburi on August 8, andwill later go northeast to inspect Mekong River water level in Nakhon Phanom,Mukdahan, and Buengkan.-VNA