Thousands of households in 17 provinces nationwide severely suffering from major floods since last week

National –

About 17 provinces have been suffering from flash flood and flood caused by tropical storm ‘Dianmu’ since last Thursday, damaging 197,795 households with 7 deaths and 1 missing, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported today, September 29th.

In Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima, two of the hardest hit provinces, more than 160,000 rai of land were reportedly damaged. The water level was reportedly reaching 2 meters in areas located near Chi river as well as small stream and river banks. Roads connected between two provinces were also cut off.

Some houses was swamped as the water level reached as high as the roof of the house. Many cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles were abandoned on flooded streets. A local villager said that this flooding was as severe as the one back 2011.

Approximately 100 families were affected. Provincial authorities have warned local residents in risk areas to evacuated and prepare for the rising water levels. Evacuation centers were provided for those whose homes were severely swamped and pumping stations were being installed to potentially reduce the damage.

As in central parts, the water level in Chao Phraya Dam has discharged 2,784 cubic meters/second as of 4:00 PM., considered the highest drainage in 2021 so far. The constant water discharge has widely damaged 6 sub-districts, 33 villages, and 793 households.

Samnao Makum, a former village headman of Pho Nang Dam Municipality of Chainat province, told reporters that the authorities and volunteers have filled sandbags in the risk areas but failed to block the current into local accommodations as the water level was rapidly rising overnight.

Samnao said: “About 153 households were flooded and road were cut off with the water level about 50-150 centimeters. Although this area was likely to be damaged by the flood every year, the villagers couldn’t get used to it.”

Many people also refused to leave their homes as they had not prepared packing their belongings and the evacuation. Some were also afraid of theft. Necessary facilities, such as toilets, electricity, drinking water, had also not been properly provided by local authorities.

“Villagers who managed to leave their place did not know where to stay. I would like to urge the relevant agencies to urgently help them as soon as possible,” the former village headman stated.

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