Persistent flooding in four provinces continued in the early hours of yesterday, with more homes along the Mun River in Phimai district of Nakhon Rachasima inundated with floodwater.
Heavy rainfall caused water to be discharged from the Lam Takhong dam, causing the Mun River to overflow and flood Jabok village in tambon Krabueng Yai of Phimai district.
More than 40 houses and a local temple were swamped as the water quickly rose to one metre deep.
In chaotic scenes lit by torches and lanterns, residents struggled into their homes to recover their possessions -- their movements hampered by floodwater up to their waists.
Ornrat Phimpru, head of Jabok village, said water discharged from the Lam Takhong and rain from Typhoon Molave in Vietnam had filled local waterways that emptied into the Mun River. Water overflowing from the Lam Phra Phloeng dam also flowed into the Mun River through its tributaries and burst the river's banks.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation yesterday reported that flash floods, runoff, landslides and storms had affected a total of 34 provinces across the country between Oct 7 and Oct 30.
The floods had already drained away in most areas, but persisted in parts of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri, Surat Thani and Suphan Buri. In northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, flooding persisted in nine districts -- Pak Chong, Pak Thong Chai, Chok Chai, Non Sung, Muang, Phimai, Chalerm Phrakiat, Chakkarat and Sung Noen.
In eastern Prachin Buri province, Sri Maha Phot and Kabin Buri were still inundated with water. In Surat Thani, Khian Sa and Phunphin remained flooded. In central Suphan Buri, Song Phi Nong, Muang Suphan Buri and Bang Pla Ma were submerged. Landslides caused by flash floods and runoff had affected the four provinces of Chumphon, Phuket, Satun and Krabi, the department said.
Seven provinces were hit by storms -- Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Kanchanaburi, Phangnga, Chumphon and Ubon Ratchathani -- that damaged 77 houses in 35 villages. Three people in Sing Buri province were reported to have been injured. The situation had since eased, the department reported.