NARATHIWAT, Dec 26 (TNA) – The flooding situation in the Narathiwat province has reached critical levels, with water levels in the Yagang Canal at an unprecedented high.
The rising waters have inundated roads, causing the most severe flooding in the past 50 years and resulting in significant damage to homes and properties.
The continuous increase in water levels from the Yagang Canal in the Muang Narathiwat municipality has submerged the entire community on its banks with water levels on roads reaching 50-80 centimeters, making it impassable for small vehicles.
Residents are facing difficulties with transportation and some are stranded on the rooftops of their houses.
In the Yagang community, a deputy community leader stated that this year’s flooding is particularly severe, affecting every house along the canal, causing distress among the residents. Despite some preparation, many were caught off guard as the water began to rise during the evening and continued to escalate throughout the night.
Residents have called for assistance, mentioning that several households are without food and drinking water. The flooding is attributed to the overwhelming volume of water that cannot be drained quickly enough, resulting in overflowing and inundation.
Meanwhile, in Pattani province, floodwaters from Narathiwat have flowed into several areas and have caused a significant overflow, affecting communities, villages, and schools.
Roads in Sai Buri district, are submerged, making transportation extremely difficult. The main road from Pattani to Narathiwat is also flooded, resulting in heavy traffic congestion.
Kaphor district, which receives water from Narathiwat, is similarly impacted. Numerous villages are submerged, and in some areas, residents are relying on boats for transportation.
The district has experienced its most severe flooding in 30 years, affecting communities along the riverbanks as well as other districts of Yarang and Mayo, which receive water from Yala and Narathiwat.
As relief efforts are underway, authorities at the local level, the military, police, and both public and private sectors are actively involved in providing initial assistance to those affected by the disaster.
In Yala province, the flooding situation in Raman district remains a cause for concern. Residents with homes near the Sai Buri River are experiencing power outages during the night, relying on candles for light.
As the water mass flows forcefully and rises, villagers are forced to evacuate to the second floor of their homes.
The entire Balor sub-district has been submerged, making it inhabitable. Authorities are employing boats to rescue the elderly, bedridden patients, and children, but the strong water current is making rescue efforts extremely challenging. Some residents are stranded on rooftops, facing water and food shortages.
In response to the crisis, the deputy governor of Yala convened a meeting to discuss rescue plans for those affected, establishing temporary shelters near Raman Vocational College and urgently aiding the affected residents.
In Satun province, the flood situation is improving in Kuan Don district but floodwater is flowing to the business area in the provincial seat.
Water levels are rising swiftly and flooding economic areas in the Chalung Municipality market. Local vendors are forced to sell their goods in the water. As water continues to flood the municipal area, the situation is expected to persist. – 819 (TNA)
