NARATHIWAT: Flooding has been reported in many parts of this southernmost border province after three days of heavy rain.
In Sungai Padi district, where Muslim and Buddhist communities coexist, villages and fields have been inundated and public utilities affected, even as the water continued to rise yesterday morning. The ground around Wat Prachumchonthara was covered by water 50 centimetres deep. Phrathep Silwisut, the abbot, said the flooding began at about 2am and runoff flowed rapidly into the temple compound.
Sawet Phetnui, the Sungai Padi district chief, and Phian Manosak, chairman of the Sungai Padi tambon administrative organisation (TAO) sent work crews to help move furniture and other items to higher ground. Officials were stationed at the main temple gate, where the current was strong, to help people wanting to enter for religious activities.