BANGKOK — Ongoing floods in the southern region have killed 19 people and affected nearly one million people, authorities said Sunday.
While the situation in Yala and Ranong provinces has improved, another eight provinces were still facing crisis from flash floods. More than 330,000 households were affected and one person remained missing, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Though flood levels gradually decreased in many provinces, they were higher in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon provinces.
Floods also destroyed sections of 218 roadways including Phet Kasem Road, a major highway to the south.
Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province announced they closed all diving spots to tourists until further notice.
Read: Malls, Airport Closed as Worst Flood in Decades Hit South
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Sunday the government approved an additional 50 million baht for each nine provinces including Phatthalung, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla, Pattani, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani and Chumphon in order to cover all necessities.
Heavy downpours are expected throughout the southern region according to Monday’s forecast by the Meteorological Department. High waves were expected both in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Small boats are advised to stay ashore.
