People living in the Lom Sak and Lom Kao districts of Thailand’s northern province of Phetchabun are facing what is being described as the worst flooding in 60 years, following heavy rain last night, according to Surin Chanthawong, chief of the Pa Sak River basin survey station today (Sunday).
He said that water from the Nam Lao and Nam Ya tributaries has poured into the Pa Sak River, forcing him to leave the station, because the floodwater reached a depth of some 10.30 metres.
Phetchabun Governor Krit Kongmuang ordered volunteers and officials from the public disaster prevention and mitigation provincial office to help the worst-hit people evacuate to higher ground today.
He admitted, however, that rescue operations have been hampered by strong currents, adding that flooding is widespread and the volume of water in the Pa Sak River is greater than during previous floods.
The Lom Sak chief district officer said that the amount of rainfall yesterday was measured at 206.2mm and he had ordered local officials to remain on standby around the clock.
He has also sought help from volunteer units in other districts by supplying rescue equipment and by helping to set up a temporary kitchen to cook food for flood victims.
