NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Flooding caused by heavy rain has damaged 280,000 rai of crops in 22 districts of this northeastern province, affecting more than 8,000 households.
Eighteen reservoirs have already exceeded their designed holding capacity, and eight others were nearing overflow point, officials said on Tuesday.
Floods triggered by storm Noru, which hit the province on Sept 27, had hit 734 villages in 22 districts -Muang, Chakkrarat, Phimai, Sung Noen Kham Thale So, Chalerm Phrakiat, Pak Thongchai, Khong, Prathai, Lam Thamenchai, Kaeng Sanam Nang, Dan Khun Thot, Non Sung, Huai Thalaeng, Chum Phuang, Non Thai, Muang Yang, Nong Bunmak, Bua Yai, Bua Lai, Sida and Chok Chai.
A total of 8,132 households 42 temples, 39 schools, 190 roads, one water station and 9 government offices were affected by the flooding that has claimed two lives, in Non Thai and Dan Khun Thot districts. A total of 285,399 rai of agricultural land were damaged.
Of the affected areas, flooding in 10 districts has returned to normal and gradually receded in 6 districts. Floods persist in six districts - Non Sung, Chalerm Phrakiat, Phimai, Chum Phuang, Lam Thamenchai and Muang Yang, affecting 3,823 households and damaging 187,654 rai of cropland.
Local officials have evacuated 56 households to 10 shelters in Chalam Phrakiat, Chum Phuang and Muang Yang districts.
A total of 18 reservoirs have already exceeded their designed holding capacity - Lam Takhong, Mun Bon, Huai Ban Yang, Lam Samlai, Lam Chiang Sa, Ban Sang Khamphaeng, Huai Sab Pradu, Lam Chiang Krai (upper), Lam Chiang Krai (lower), Nong Kok, Huai Namkhem, Huai Yang Palai, Bueng Kraton, Huai Sakad, Huai Pheak, Huai Hin, Huai Toey and Lam Plai Mat. Eight others were at 80-100%.
Lam Takhong reservoir has exceeded its designed holding capacity. Eighteen reservoirs, large and medium-sized, in Nakhon Ratchasima are brimming full. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)