Twelve districts in the southern province of Pattani have been declared flood disaster zones, as the provincial administration advises people in the affected areas to brace for increased flooding, due to runoffs from neighbouring Yala Province.

Troops from the Fourth Army Region have been busy distributing drinking water, food and other necessities to villagers who cannot leave their houses due to strong currents and flooding, which is over two metres deep in places.

Public disaster mitigation centres, operated by the Army, have been put on standby around the clock to provide help to flood victims in Pattani.

Small row boats have become the only means of travel in many villages.

In Yala Province, however, flood water is receding as the amount of rainfall has reduced. Water runoffs from the province are flowing towards Pattani.

In Muno sub-district of Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat, most residents are now taking refuge on the upper floors of their houses. Many are complaining that they have not eaten for two days because the strong currents pose a risk when travelling by boat.

Members of the Royal Thai Navy’s marine unit distributed food and drinking water to the residents yesterday (Tuesday), but their operations were hampered by the strong currents.

An Indonesia-registered cargo ship, arriving from Samut Sakhon, ran aground near the coast of Yaring district in Pattani on Sunday and is still there today, but all eight Thai crew members were rescued and taken ashore.

In Phatthalung province, the road running parallel to the Songkhla Lake, between Lam Pam and Khao Chaison in Khao Chaison district, is heavily damaged and has been closed to all traffic.

Eleven districts in the province are under water, affecting more than 28,000 households.

Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service