UBON RATCHATHANI, Sept 16 (TNA) – Flood waters in the
northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province have gradually receded after major
flooding on Friday saw massive water influx hit communities along the Mun
River.
Water level of the Mun River on Monday dropped from its
Friday’s peak by twenty centimeters. A
water monitoring station in Mueang district said the river overflow was 3.72
meters above the riverbank after it reached over four meters three days ago.
Officials have warned that it will take days until the flood
water to be completely drained.
Seventeen districts of Ubon Ratchathani have been declared
disaster zones since heavy downpours trigged by two major storms hit the
northeastern province earlier this month.
The Mun River overflowed and exacerbated the flooding
situation that has forced thousands of local residents to evacuate.
Massive devastation has prompted several agencies and
emergency services to collect donations from people across the country.
In Nakhon Phanom, people have joined a humanitarian campaign
to help food victims in Ubon Ratchathani.
They have compiled food, relief supplies and household goods for speedy
delivery.
Buddhist monks at a Phrabat Namphu temple in Lop Buri
province have set up a donation center inside the temple compound. About 50 army troops are packing up the
relief goods to deliver to flood victims.
Many civic groups have also pledged to provide speedy help
to the people affected by inundations for nearly two weeks.
Authorities have reported the water level of the Mun River,
which runs through the province, has steadily decreased. The Royal Irrigation Department has installed
more propeller pumps from 100 to 200 to accelerate the drainage of water into
downstream areas.
Elsewhere in the northeast, many provinces such as Yasothon,
Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachin Buri and Sisaket – remain affected by the
floods. A number of roads are impassable
obstructing relief aids to reach affected people. (TNA)
