NAKHON RATCHASIMA: More than 400 houses across 31 villages in Phimai district were flooded as rain caused the Mun River to burst its banks yesterday.
A total of 437 houses in tambon Nai Muang, Samrit, Than Lalod, Krabueng Yai, Tha Luang and Dong Yai were inundated by floodwaters which reached over 50 centimetres, said Phimai district chief, Amnuay Pongnan.
Local authorities are distributing relief goods and drinking water to affected households, he said, before adding that about 3,562 rai of farmlands were also flooded, in addition to government offices and dormitories for police and local officials.
Pol Col Nathee Sukhuna, Phimai district's police chief, said the Mun River rose rapidly before breaking its banks yesterday, fed by discharge from Lam Takhong and Lam Phra Phloeng dams and compounded by heavy rain.
Police placed sandbags around their living quarters and installed two water pumps to keep water out of their dormitories to no avail. At least 40 rooms were flooded by 40 to 50cm of water.
Water levels are still rising due to the lingering precipitation brought on by Typhoon Molave, the local police chief said.
Wichian Chantharanothai, Nakhon Ratchasima governor, said the water in Phimai district is expected to recede within 3 to 4 days, and will leave the province within one week.
On the bright side, the water will help locals fight against drought in the next few years, the governor said.