Narathiwat, the latest province in the South to be hit by floods, was yesterday subject to further warnings by the Meteorological Department with residents in the region told to brace for continued heavy rain and likely damage from flash floods and runoff over the next few days.
The department said a strong northeast monsoon wind over the Gulf of Thailand and the South, and an approaching low-pressure ridge from the lower South China Sea, would bring isolated wet weather to the region.
Residents in 12 provinces -- Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phatthalung, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket and Krabi -- were urged to prepare.
The weather department also warned all ships in the Gulf to proceed with caution, with smaller vessels strongly advised to remain ashore.
Following floods in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Songkhla and Yala, 2,251 people were reported to have been affected in Narathiwat, although no evacuation was ordered.
Authorities said yesterday that residents in the districts of Chanae, Rangae, Cho Airong and Bacho had been worst hit by damage to homes, roads and property.
Officials said they were keeping a close watch on the levels of the Kolok River, Sai Buri River and Bang Nara River and water pumps were on standby around the clock ready to drain excess water while the damage to farmland was being assessed.
In Songkhla's Rattaphum district, the situation improved yesterday as the water at the epicentre of the floods receded and Khlong Phum, which had overflowed, decreased to a safe level.
However, local officials said Ban Chai Khlong school would be closed for repairs for a few days due to damage to classrooms and teaching materials.
In Songkhla, where floods had ravaged eight districts, one person was feared dead. Pakorn Intasa, 42, a villager in Singha Nakhon district, went missing on Saturday after being swept away by a strong current.