Much of downtown Trang was badly flooded yesterday after a section of a river embankment collapsed, sending water pouring into low-lying areas.
A high tide combined with run-off from nearby Thung Song district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province swelled the Trang River yesterday. The excess water caused a section of the river embankment in tambons Na Taluang and Nong Trud to give way.
Floodwaters in the municipality were up to 150cm deep in some areas.
Six tambons in Muang district _ Nong Trud, Na Taluang, Khuan Pring, Natam Tua, Bang Rak and Natam Nua _ were inundated, with several main and secondary roads rendered impassable.
Soldiers and volunteers yesterday distributed flood-relief bags to residents.
Provincial disaster prevention and mitigation chief Amnuay Chantharat said communities along the river were the worst hit. Seven schools in Muang district were closed due to the flooding.
Meanwhile, the Southern Meteorological Centre in Songkhla yesterday issued a severe weather warning for six provinces in the South.
It warned people living near hillsides and waterways in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat to brace for heavy rain, possible flash flooding, forest run-off and mudslides until Tuesday.
Strong wind-generated waves are also likely in the Gulf of Thailand. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should remain ashore during this period, the weather bureau said.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a broader warning, telling seven southern provinces to brace for flash floods.
Phuwiang Prakammin, director of the Meteorological Centre for the Southeastern region, said Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat face heavy rains and flash floods until Monday, caused by a depression approaching from China.
Heavy rain was already lashing much of Phatthalung yesterday, with residents of hillside areas placed on high alert for possible mudslides.