Tropical storm Maysak floods Trat

Widespread flooding was reported today in Khao Saming and Bo Rai districts of the eastern province of Trat after they were hit by torrential rain brought by tropical storm Maysak.

Local officials said several fruit orchards in the two districts were affected by flash floods when canals, including the Sator and Bo Rai canals, overflowed and sent water into low-lying areas.

Khao Saming district chief Pongphat Sinrai said more than 150mm of rain fell on the district on Friday and Saturday, causing the Sator Canal to overflow.

Trat provincial officials said emergency response units have been placed on standby to respond to distress calls, adding that equipment, including 30 boats, is ready to be deployed immediately upon request.

Local officials said the flooding is not critical, however, and floodwaters are expected to recede quickly.

In Chiang Mai province, all 25 districts and local administrative organisations have been placed on standby and told to closely monitor water levels in natural waterways in low-lying and mountainous areas, as they remain vulnerable to flooding until Monday.

In Mae Hong Son province, the Yuam River is under close surveillance as water levels continue to rise.

The Meteorological Centre for the northern region has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow as a result of the tropical storm.