Thailand, Floods in several provinces

The continuous heavy rain, enhanced by the Tropical Depression "Sonca", has increased the flood and landslide incidents in the northeast, northern and central provinces of Thailand. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation stated that 17 provinces have been affected by flooding which included Sakon Nakhon, Lop Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phrae, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Ayutthaya, Buri Ram, Phichit, Kalasin, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Khon Kaen, Uttaradit and Phitsanulok. In Nakhon Ratchasima, the flood has inundated 229 villages in five districts, including 50 houses in Theparak District. 40,000 rai (6,400 ha) of agriculture land was also damaged by floods. The water runoff from Theparak District has also flowed to several villages in Lop Buri Province causing inundation and blocking the railway. Meanwhile in Phrae Province, the military evacuated 50 flood affected families. Flood also affected Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani Province. Further in Kalasin, about 500 houses and more than 25,000 rai (4,000 ha) of farmland was inundated in 15 of 17 districts. The Tropical Storm "Sonca" has severely affected Sakon Nakhon Province. The storm has caused widespread flooding in 18 districts which paralyzed the airport and cut off major roads, leaving several villages isolated. One person was reportedly to have died because of the flood. The Governor of Sakon Nakhon stated that the flooding was the worst over the last 20 years. In this crisis, the local government has mobilised their resources to help the people. The rescue team has evacuated 70 families from the flood. 70 people were also evacuated from the local hotel due which submerged by floodwater. Three relief centres were also set up near the city hall to help the victims. About 100 people took shelter in the temporary evacuation shelter near the provincial hall. Water pumps were also install to drain the water from the roads. At this stage, the authority is assessing the impact. Alert for potential flooding has been also issued to the communities as the heavy rains was expected to happen until 28 July.