Nakhon Si Thammarat hit by floods, more rain expected in the South

Flooding in the southern province Nakhon Si Thammarat has affected thousands of residents with some evacuating their homes due to the rising water level. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected to continue in the South and the Thai Meteorological Department is warning residents in the lower southern provinces to beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and water runoff.

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall over the past several days has affected 16,709 households with 47,939 people, according to Governor Kraisorn Wisitwong. He says floods hit 351 villages in 15 districts: Cha Uat, Chulabhorn, Thung Song, Mueang, Phra Phrom, Ron Phibun, Tha Sala, Phipun, Nabon, Lan Saka, Sichon, Chalerm Phra Kiat, Chian Yai, Nop Phitam and Khanom

In Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Lan Saka district, a flash flood struck the area when a mass of water rushed down the Khao Luang mountain. Water levels have risen due to the continuous rain, causing the catchment area on the mountain to overflow.

Some residents in the Mueang district had to evacuate their homes. An American English teacher living in the area told The Thaiger she’s opened her doors to her neighbours whose homes are flooded. This morning, the water around her home was up to her knees. She now estimates the water is close to waist level.

Schools throughout the province closed. The Bangkok Post says the Nakhon Si Thammarat airport is open as usual, but the Thai Enquirer reports that most flights have been delayed. A local police officer told the Thai Enquirer that all major roads in the city have been closed.

So far, a total of 291,156 rai of farmland has been flooded, possibly damaging fish farms. In the Tha Sala and Nabon districts, 8 homes have reportedly been damaged.

SOURCES: Nation Thailand | Thai Meteorological Department | Bangkok Post| Thai Enquirer