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Published on August 8, 2007

One local, 73-year-old Thin Thongdee, drowned after the violent torrents of runoff water swept over his creek-side hut, while three others are missing.

All nine marooned villages are in the Khun Han district, which has been declared a disaster area. There were reports of damage to local roads, houses, temples, schools and farmland.

Pol Colonel Mon Tawee-wanboon, who heads the 53rd Mobile Development Unit, said 35 volunteers and soldiers were evacuating residents from the worst-hit spots. 

"We have advised people to move their belongings to higher places as a precaution," said Si Sa Ket Governor Kongkiat Akaraprasertkul.

Wittaya Wichira-angkura, head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region V, said the provincial government had already given Bt50 million to assist flood victims.

Si Sa Ket is one of the six provinces under the centre's jurisdiction.

Prasert Purathanang of the Northeast Meteorological Bureau said a depression over the South China Sea would send more downpours to several provinces, including Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Surin, Roi Et, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratcha-thani.

"Residents of these provinces should brace for possible flash floods," Prasert said.