Authorities have been assisting flood-affected residents in southern provinces after continuous rainfall caused inundation and river overflow in the provinces of Yala and Narathiwat.
Floodwater in riverside communities rose to a metre deep and a police station was inundated on Monday when the Kolok River breached a flood barrier after monsoon rains pounded southern provinces.
Muno police station in tambon Muno of Sungai Kolok district was flooded, swamping vehicles in the car park, as were residents’ houses.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, provinces in the south experienced heavy to very heavy rain during February 23-26, 2022 due to the region’s strong northeasterly winds and low-pressure cells. Four districts in Yala province – namely Muang Yala, Raman, Yaha and Krong Pinang – reported flooding while residents in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district were severely affected by overflow from the Golok River.
Yala provincial governor Pirom Nittaya recently inspected flood zones in the Muang Yala district and ordered officials to assist residents facing 30-60 cm water levels in residential areas due to heavy rainfall. Authorities are also increasing drainage into the Pattani River, while the Pattani Dam in Pattani province has been discharging water to prepare for more rainfall.
Local disaster prevention and mitigation officials reported that floods hit six districts, affected 4,810 families or 18,380 people and killed one in Yala. (TNA)
In Narathiwat province, Sungai Kolok municipality mayor Suchada Phannara disclosed that heavy rainfall has caused water from the Golok River to overflow into nearby areas. Rescuers have evacuated 125 people from 33 households to a nearby centre for safety. The mayor noted that officials will have to wait for water levels in the river to recede before deploying pumps to remove floodwater from the affected areas.
Raman district faced deep flooding which isolated a village while the provincial governor ordered maximum assistance for victims.
Yala Governor Pirom Nilthaya went to Raman district to distribute essentials including food and drinking water to victims.
The governor also visited Moo 5 and Moo 3 villages and found a flood-damaged bridge that isolated about 60 families in Moo 3 village. He deployed soldiers, police and disaster mitigation officials on boats to help affected people.
Meanwhile, affected communities have proposed a 3-kilometre expansion to a barrier dam that is already under construction to ensure their protection against overflow. The dam, which prevents overflow from the Golok River, is expected to be complete in two years.
