Thailand faces extensive floods due to heavy rain

Bangkok (VNA) – Many Thai localities are facing flooding due to prolonged downpours.

According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, nine provinces in the northeast region of Thailand, namely Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Bung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Roi-et, Kalasin and Yasothon, have been affected by flood caused by heavy rain and the rising water level in Mekong River.

Hardest hit is Nakhon Phanom where overflow of water of the Mekong river has inundated many areas in 12 districts, affecting more than 12,000 households with nearly 27,000 people, along with thousands of hectares of farm land.

Earlier, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) warned residents in western and southern localities to move to higher places in case dams in the areas could overflow. The department said that Kaeng Krachan dam in Phetchaburi province, Srinagarindra and Vajiralongkorn dams in Kanchanaburi, and Pranburi dam in Prachuap Khiri Khan have caused concerns.

Thailand is in the middle of its rainy season which often sees downpours. The Meteorological Department said more downpours are expected between August 7-9.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is due to visit Phetchaburi on August 8, and will later go northeast to inspect Mekong River water level in Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, and Buengkan.-VNA