CHAI NAT: The floodwater which has inundated seven tambons in Sapphaya district for over two weeks has stagnated, giving off foul smells and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
The seven tambons are Taluk, Sapphaya, Bang Luang, Hat Asa, Khao Kaew, Pho Nangdam Ok and Pho Nangdam Tok.
Local villagers said the water has turned green and black and is now giving off foul smells of decaying vegetation. The stagnant water has also become an ideal habitat for mosquitoes and insects.
Many people have developed rashes and fungal infections on their feet after wading in the water, they complained.
Prapas Wandia, the Sapphaya district chief, said he had ordered medical teams and environmental officials to visit the affected areas.
Initially, EM (effective micro-organism) mudballs will be dropped into the stagnant water to reduce odours. Water propulsion machines will also be used to help circulate the water to reduce the stagnation.