SONGKHLA: Three villages and farmland along the banks of Khlong U-tapao in Sadao district of this southern province were inundated when the canal overflowed after several days of continuous rain.
Crops, rubber plantations, fruit orchards and Moo 4, 7 and 8 -- villages in tambon Prik -- were underwater yesterday. Flooding in the villages was almost one metre deep.
Soldiers were deployed with flat-bottomed boats to help residents move belongings to higher ground. Bed-ridden villagers were evacuated, local officials said.
The flooding was expected to spread to other areas of Sadao and Khlong Hoy Khong districts.
The Meteorological Department has warned people in the South to brace for heavy to very heavy rain linked to Tropical Storm Asani that may cause flash floods and burst river and canal banks yesterday and today. Its morning forecast yesterday said Tropical Storm Asani was over the Bay of Bengal packing winds of about 105kph and was moving northwest at 16kph.
The storm has had no direct effect on Thailand but will strengthen prevailing winds over Thailand, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
As a result, continuous rain with isolated heavy to very heavy rain is likely in the South. People should beware of severe weather conditions which may cause flash floods and overflows. Rough seas are expected and all vessels were told to proceed with caution.