Southerners are struggling with floods as Bankokians ponder mountainous trips
As Bangkokians flock in droves towards the highlands in the North and some northeastern provinces to experience the cool air and breathe the refreshing clean air in mid-December,
many residents in the lhree southernmost provinces are struggling to cope with flood and heavy rains which have been pounding the region for days.
For many areas in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, flooding has become an annual phenomenon with several times in some years and there seems to be no solution to the problem.
Nine districts of Narathiwat have been declared disaster zones by the provincial administration after many days of continuing heavy rains. Excess water has gushed downstream from the Sankala Khiri mountain range swelling the Kolok, Bang Nara and Sai Buri rivers which eventually broke their banks and inundated large swathe of land in nine districts.
Water level in Waeng, Sukhirin and Tak Bai districts was reportedly measured at between 1.5-2 metres deep prompting provincial officials to order the evacuation of many residents in the affected areas.
A tragedy struck on December 17 when an army trooper of a rescue team was believed to have drowned when a flat-bottom boat in which he was travelling capsized in the Kolok river when it hit the pillar of a railway bridge due to strong currents. The officer, identified as Charnnarong Maleechuen, was thrown overboard and went missing. A search operation was later mounted but his body is yet to be found.
In Tharnto district of Yala, one seven-year old girl was killed when mud slide struck her parents’ house on the foot of a mountain. Her father however sustained only minor injuries while the mother was safe because she was not in the house at the time of the accident.
In Pattani, water level in the Pattani river has been rising steadily after the arrival of runoffs from Yala. About 300 households in Tambon Barahoh and Pakaharang in Muang district which are located at the estuary of the river have been affected.
Pattani governor Veerapong Kaewsuwan warned that more areas would be flooded if rains continue unabated. But rescue and relief units have been placed on standby.
In Hat Yai, yellow flags have been raised in ten communities along the U-Tapao canal in municipal area to signify that there are vulnerable to flooding. But mayor Prai Patthano said there was no need for the people to be panic.
Heavy rains since December 16 have resulted to flooding in at least four tambons in Sadao district of Songkhla. But more areas are expected to be flooded as rains continue unabated.
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Caption : School in Narathiwat province