BANGKOK: Phatthalung province in the South has been severely hit by flash floods following continuous heavy rain, with 10 districts, 47 subdistricts and 242 villages now under water.
According to the Phatthalung Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, as of Friday (Nov 21), the floods have affected 33,384 people from 12,753 households, with water still standing in multiple areas Friday morning.
Runoff continues to cascade down from the Bantad Mountain range, particularly from Pa Bon, Tamot, Kong Ra, Srinagarindra, Si Banphot and Pa Phayom districts, before flowing through waterfalls and into main canals. This has caused extensive flooding in farmlands, residential areas and key inter-village roads.
Over the past two days, the affected districts have experienced persistent heavy to moderate rainfall, leading to accumulated water on mountain slopes, saturated soil and elevated risk of landslides.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) sent a cell-broadcast alert at 9.22am on Nov 21, warning residents across Phatthalung to remain on high alert:
“Heavy rainfall detected across the entire province. Please beware of flash floods and landslides in low-lying areas, around riverbanks and foothills. Flooded areas may see water levels rise further. Move belongings and vehicles to higher ground.”
Phatthalung authorities have declared Muang Phatthalung district as an additional disaster zone, following an earlier declaration for Kong Ra. More districts are expected to be added as conditions worsen.
Local authorities and emergency teams are continuing to monitor water levels and prepare further evacuations if rainfall persists. - The Nation/ANN
