Two killed, over 60 schools close in southern flood

SONGKHLA, Nov 23 (TNA) – Thailand’s southern provinces have been hit heavily by flash floods which have so far left two residents dead, and on Monday forced the closure of over 60 schools.

Students of Bangsala School in Klong Hoi Kong district helped one another to move documents and computers to higher ground after waters of the Utapao Canal spilled over its banks and flooded the schools to 50 centimetres deep.

The school was forced to close until the flood recedes, along with at least another 40 schools in Songkhla.

Sixteen districts in Songkhla have been inundated, with six districts in critical condition, including Hat Yai,  provincial seat, Rattaphum, Khuan Niang, Bang Klam and Klong Hoi Kong.

Two people were drowned in the flooding, and the meteorological department has issued a warning that residents of Phattalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat should beware of flash flood.

In Satun, at least ten thousand households in Khuan Don district and provincial seat have been affected by flood. Many villages have been cut off as roads and main highways were covered by floodwaters.

In the restive southern border province of Narathiwat, 11 districts were under water, while the water level in local rivers have increased incessantly.

Five-star hotels and entertainment venues in Sungai Kolok district remain closed due to floods, and about 20 schools announced temporary closure indefinitely.

It is reported that some parts of Malaysia have also been hit by flooding, routes connecting the two neighbouring countries have been unindated and were impassable for all transport. (TNA)