South homes submerged by heavy floods

South homes submerged by heavy floods

More than 12,000 households in seven southern provinces have been inundated by floods.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that from Feb 24-27, almost 12,200 families in Narathiwat, Yala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Pattani, Songkhla, Trang were affected.

The department is coordinating with the provinces, local administration, the army and local volunteers to provide assistance to locals.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered officers to survey flooded areas and roads after a pickup plunged into the river when a bridge collapsed in storm-hit Sukhirin district of Narathiwat on Sunday afternoon and six people drowned.

He asked people to stay updated with reports from authorities and stay away from strong flood torrents.

Children, the elderly and bed-ridden patients are advised to evacuate where possible, while government agencies have been ordered to compensate families of dead flood victims.

The Department of Rural Roads yesterday reported that nine rural roads in Narathiwat and Yala were impassable and a bridge collapsed on Sunday afternoon after the foundations at one end subsided suddenly, near Ban Non Sombun, Moo 5 village, in tambon Phu Khao Thong.

A four-door Toyota Vigo Prerunner that was crossing at the time ended up upside down in fast-flowing water about 5 metres deep.

Local reports said seven people were travelling in the vehicle -- three men, two women and two very young girls.

When the water subsided, six were found dead while a seventh body has yet to be found. It is not known whether the victims were related.

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