Heavy Monsoon Rain Triggers Flooding Across Southern Thailand

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding across southern regions of Thailand, following days of severe weather and continuous downpours during the monsoon. According to a report issued by Thailand's National Water Resources Office, Yala Province in the south recorded 137 millimetres of rain, while Phetchaburi Province in the west received 126 millimetres. The report said Thailand's water storage systems are now 82 percent full. The most critical situation is in reservoirs and dams in the western region, where 27,246 million cubic metres of water is currently being stored. More than 3.14 million people across 21 provinces have been directly affected by the monsoon rains. With flooding in the Bang Pakong River area in the country's east, additional pumps have been installed to speed up the drainage effort. Meteorological agencies forecast that although rainfall may ease in northern Thailand, heavy rain is likely to continue in the southern regions over the coming days. Authorities have therefore urged the public to remain alert to possible flash floods and to move to safe areas.