Bangkok: Roads in the southern region are grappling with severe flooding, impacting transportation across eight provinces and affecting 84 routes,
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Rural Roads has been actively working to address the situation by patrolling and monitoring flood-affected areas. Notably, sandbags have been deployed to protect homes in Phatthalung Province, while a Bailey bridge was installed on Highway 4093 in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, providing relief to over 2,000 residents.
Mr. Pichit Hunsiri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, disclosed that eight provinces-Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Satun-are experiencing road network disruptions due to flooding. Out of the 84 affected roads, 46 remain accessible, while 38 are impassable. In Trang Province, roads including Tong.1037 and several community bridges have been affected, while Nakhon Si Thammarat sees issues with roads 3084 and 4021. Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, and Satun also report significant road closures and disruptions.
The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has mobilized its southern agencies, including Rural Roads Offices 11, 12, and 14, to provide ongoing assistance. This involves continuous road patrols, water level monitoring, and local support, in collaboration with provincial authorities. Efforts include providing vehicles, relief supplies, and food to those affected. The Director-General stressed the importance of extending support to DRR officials working in these challenging conditions.
The 11th Rural Roads Office in Surat Thani and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Rural Roads District have successfully installed a Bailey bridge on Rural Road No. 4093, ensuring continued access and alleviating the difficulties faced by the local population. Furthermore, the 14th Rural Roads Office in Krabi is working on sandbag placements to protect homes from rising waters. If water levels decline, the Department will promptly assess the situation and commence restoration of the road network.
The Department of Rural Roads remains committed to monitoring the situation in the southern region and will provide regular updates to the public.