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Published on July 22, 2007

The Sairung (Rainbow) and Prai Sawan (Heaven Wilderness) falls were the scenes of tragic accidents earlier this year when flash-floods claimed 38 lives.

Banthad Wildlife Sanctuary chief Sanit Ongsadara yesterday said warning towers and a 45-metre central tower had been built at the falls.

Other devices will send warnings if groundwater levels rise above the 30-centimetre norm, Sanit said.

Meanwhile, relief teams and doctors have reached all but one of six villages affected by Friday's flash-floods in Surat Thani's Phanom district.

Only Moo 9 is still isolated, as waters remain high. There are no reports of casualties.

Moo 8 villager Sanong Eiadphol, 43, said she had never witnessed floods like it in her 10 years there.

"Before the flood, it rained cats and dogs for three hours," she said. "Luckily, my husband and I took electrical appliances off the floor and we managed to shut down the electricity.

"Thank goodness the flood lasted only 10 minutes. We decided to remain in our house because it's strong, and we were right."

In Phang Nga province, also hit by flooding on Friday, residents started picking up the pieces after the waters receded.

Senior Meteorological Department officer Mon Chaimoonsuk asked villagers to observe run-offs. If water becomes reddish it could mean there is a possibility of flash-flooding from the hill country.