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Published on October 28, 2007

 Flooding is under control in Bangkok but southern provinces will face heavy rain and possible flash floods and mudslides in disaster-prone areas, the authorities said yesterday.

Out of the 32 provinces afflicted by floods this storm season, 21 have returned to normal.

The flood situation in the capital is less serious than last year and is manageable, said Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin.

"Most areas of Bangkok should be free from serious flood impacts as we have constructed flood-prevention barriers, except for 30 communities in Thawee Watthana and Bang Khunthien districts where we are keeping a

close watch and preparing rescue measures," Apirak said.

"Those living along Chao Phya River banks should also not be worried as the forecast peak tide will reach only two metres while our dykes are 2.5 metres high," his deputy Bannasophit Mekwichai added.

Anucha Mokhawecha, director-general of the Interior Ministry's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said only 11 provinces were still suffering from flooding, while the rest are back to normal.

"Without further monsoons hitting, it should be okay in general," Deputy Interior Minister Banyat Chansena said.

The Meteorological Department warned southern provinces of continuing widespread heavy thundershowers due to a low-pressure trough lying over the whole region.

Among the areas at risk of flash floods are Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the weather forecast said.

In Surat Thani's still-swamped Tha Chana district, some palm oil plants illegally discharged wastewater into public waterways causing skin irritation for residents over a vast area.

The North will see dense morning fog at times as temperatures plummet. The mercury at hilltops in Mae Hong Son sank to 10 degrees Celsius and caused serious difficulties for some hilltribe people.

The Nation