Flash floods and forest run-off caused by tropical depression Gaemi have ravaged several areas in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces, affecting thousands of residents and damaging vast agricultural areas.
Soldiers build a make-shift bridge in a village in Ratchaburi’s Suan Phung district after mountain run-off and heavy rain badly damaged at least six bridges and left dozens of villagers stranded. SUNANT OCHAKACHORN
Several hours of heavy downpours on Monday night resulted in flash flooding hitting three districts of the central part of Kanchanaburi province. Tambon Nong Phai in Dan Makhamtei district was the worst hit, with floodwaters rising to 1-2 metres, a source said.
The two other affected districts were Huay Krachao and Lao Kwan.
Several main roads in the affected areas became impassable, stranding residents.
District authorities evacuated several areas, moving many flood victims and their belongings to higher ground.
More than 2,000 residents from 500 households were hit by flash floods and run-off, according to one survey. More than 10,000 rai of farmland in the four tambons was also damaged. Provincial authorities yesterday ordered local agencies to be on full alert for flash flooding, forest run-off and mudslides.
A source said overflow from the Pachi River in Ratchaburi's Suan Phung district, which had already ravaged Dan Makhamtei, would flow into the Kwai Noi and Mae Klong rivers adjacent to tambon Jorakhae Puek and tambon Klondon.
In Ratchaburi, four main bridges connecting residents in Suan Phung district to the outside world were cut off by flooding and run-off from the Tanaosi mountain range.
Military engineers were yesterday sent to help build temporary bridges in the district.
Several existing bridges were at risk of collapse.