Phatthalung flood woes persist

Phatthalung flood woes persist

Thousands of homes in Phatthalung remained under water yesterday in the flood crisis caused by torrential rain on Saturday night.

The rain triggered runoff that hit many districts in the province and in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

In Phatthalung, more than 670 households in tambon Khuan Khanun and over 5,000 others in tambon Khok Changai, Khao Chiek, Prang Mu and Na Not were hit by runoff from the Banthat mountain range.

The flash floods followed heavy rain on Saturday caused by a strong pressure ridge from China and northeasterly winds over the lower southern region.

The forest runoff also hit farm land and households in tambon Khuan Khanun, Pantae and Talaem Tanot of Khuan Khanun district.

The water level in some areas was reported to be as high as 80 centimetres, forcing residents to move their belongings to higher ground. Many had to build flood walls using sand bags to protect their homes from floodwater.

A Phatthalung local, Pichai Makkhai, 31, was reportedly swept from a wooden bridge while crossing a canal in tambon Khuan Khanun yesterday.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, 22,140 people in nine districts — Nop Phi Tham, Sichon, Tha Sala, Lan Saka, Phrommakhiri, Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phra Phom, Ron Phibun and Phipun — have also been affected by the heavy rain.

Meechai Raknam, 37, from Bangkok, was believed drowned after he was swept away in Huai Nam Dang of Phrom Khiri district.

The Meteorological Department warned residents of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Narathiwat to brace for more rainfall today.

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