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Published on October 5, 2007

Tropical storm Lekima cut the road to Ban Thung Kliang in Ubon Ratchathani's Na Tal district yesterday, while 16 northeastern provinces were warned of heavy rains, gusting winds and possible flash floods.

Lekima has brought heavy downpours to the region since Tuesday night, causing the Mekong River to rise.

Ban Thung Kliang farmer Somsri Thong-on reported that a three-kilometre portion of the road and a nearby weir had been damaged by flooding.

Na Tal district chief Mahannop Kanjanawijit said he had instructed officials to assess the damage and monitor the Mekong's water level, which was rising dangerously and had already flooded farms. Mahannop said his officials would help people to move their belongings to higher ground in case of evacuation.

Nakhon Phanom Governor Boonsanong Boonmee warned residents of Muang Nakhon Phanom, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Thom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen and That Phanom districts of flash floods and high winds. Heavy rains have disrupted transport and flooded low-lying homes and roads in the province.

In Roi Et, the storm caused flooding in Muang municipality yesterday, with many roads under 40 centimetres of water. Roi Et Governor Pinij Pichayakal ordered officials to inspect risky areas along the Chi and Yung rivers and warn people about possible floods and to prepare for evacuation.

Earlier, weather forecaster Oranuch Thongsri at the Northeastern Meteorology Centre warned that the storm, now centred in Nong Khai province, was moving westward at 10kph and would be downgraded to a depression late yesterday.

Heavy rains were expected in 16 provinces: Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen and Ubol Ratchathani.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Region 6 chief Chaipan Homwisetwongsa said he had dispatched officials to pump water from some areas and to organise flat-bottomed boats and dried food to be ready around the clock.

As Loei, Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lamphu have mountainous areas prone to forest run-offs and landslides, he instructed officials to monitor the situation and check whether the disaster-warning systems were working properly.

The Nation