Flash flood wreaks havoc in Ban Rai district of Uthai Thani

File photo: Flash flood in Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani

A flash flood swept into Ban Rai district of Uthai Thani on Saturday evening, causing extensive damage to property, following torrential rain on a mountainous area nearby.

Over a dozen campers were left stranded at their camp site by the strong currents, as they waited for the emergency services to extract them to safety.

No one was killed or injured by the sudden flooding, but inhabitants said that the floodwater came so fast that they had no time to move their belongings to higher ground. Some said that they had never experienced such swift and devastating flooding before.

The floodwaters had receded by about 11pm, but left a trail of damage.

Today, Uthai Thani MP and former deputy interior minister Chada Thaised joined local officials and police on an inspection tour of the district, to coordinate relief operations for the flood victims. Many residents were seen cleaning up their houses and shops.

More rain is expected today, but a number of residents said that most of their belongings have already been damaged.