BANGKOK, 14 June 2012 (NNT) - The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) today revealed the scale of flood devastation in ten flood-hit provinces across the country.

Mr Wiboon Sanguanpong, DDPM Director-General, said that the flood situation is widespread in the southern region, affecting over 130,000 residents. Flash floods have struck Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phang Nga and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces, with villages along the Tapi River still severely flooded. The floods have damaged a number of houses, crops, public roads and bridges.

However, improvements have been reported in some parts of Ranong, Chumphon and Phang Nga, with rehabilitation works underway.

As for the central and lower northern regions, Mr Wiboon said over 6,000 residents in Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Prachin Buri and Chai Nat provinces have been hit by flash floods and forest-runoffs.

The director-general said that in a bid to provide adequate relief, the DDPM is coordinating with its provincial offices to deliver flat-bottomed boats, trucks and necessary items while deploying emergency response teams to the disaster-hit areas.

He further advised locals residing in low-lying areas, on hill slopes and near waterways to be on high alert and closely monitor weather updates until next week.

News ID: 255506140025

Reporter : Orapa Chueyprasit