Mobile rescue units are testing engines, flat-bottomed boats and other equipment that may be needed to assist flood victims. Preparations are under way to tackle flood-related problems, especially at 267 sites prone to landslides, in the seven Southern provinces.

Meanwhile, Kamolsri Seneetantikul, director of the Southeast Regional Meteorological Centre, warned of heavy downpours and possible flash-floods across the South today. Residents of low-lying areas near mountains and water sources in Ranong, Phang Nga and Krabi were urged to be on alert, while riverside residents, especially in Surat Thani's Phrasaeng district and Nakhon Si Thammarat's Chawang district, were warned about the rising level of the Tapi River.

High waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have prompted authorities to warn vessels to exercise caution. Small boats should not put to sea at this time, Kamolsri said.

Meanwhile, continual heavy rainfall has caused flooding in some areas of Trang. Low-lying Kwuankhan-Khok Lor and Rassada roads in Nakhon Trang municipality were submerged under 30-50 centimetres of water, provincial disaster-prevention chief Sant Chantornwong said.

Since Tuesday the Palian, Kantang, Wang Wiset, Muang and Na Yong districts have suffered floods that inundated houses and farmland.

While Palian and Kantang were back to normal yesterday, the flood situation elsewhere was at the "same level as Friday", Sant said. If no more rain falls, everything should be fine in two days, he added.

The situation in Surat Thani's Phrasaeng district is still worrying, as flood water from Krabi has inundated many tambons. The Tapi River in the district has risen to 4.8 metres, and if it reaches 5.5 metres, all villages will be submerged.