People walk in a flooded street in the Muang district of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand (Photo: Reuters)Meanwhile, tens of thousands ofvillages and schools in ten southern provinces were plunged in floodwaters.
The country’s meteorologicaldepartment has warned the downpours which have caused flash floods across tensouthern provinces might persist for at least two more days.
Provinces of Chumphon, Trang,Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Surat Thani were the worst – hit areas.
A total of 17 highways fromBangkok to southern provinces have been flooded, nine of which have beentotally blocked. The floods have also disrupted the railway route leading tothe south while local airports have seen services suspended.
Southern military, navy and airforces have been mobilised to provide relief efforts.
The heavy rains are unusual forthis time in Thailand, which normally sees a dry and cool weather stretchingfrom November to February, the tourism’s peak season. It is more likely to leavesignificant impacts on the country’s tourism. - VNA
