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The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has issued a warning of possible flooding after heavy downpours were forecast to continue until midNovember.Saksit Tridech, permanent secretary to the ministry, said yesterday that the Water Resources Department had monitored flooding situations in many areas, especially the already inundated provinces of Nan and Uttaradit.

With heavy rainfall predicted until midNovember, he cited satellite and aerial images as well as field data that Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Nan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Phrae and Lamphun were at risk of flooding.

Others included Ubon Ratchathani, Loei, Nong Khai, Si Sa Ket, Udon Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Rayong, Sa Kaew, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Angthong, and Ayutthaya.

The department also warned of possible landslides - especially in Nan, which has already seen 124 millimetres of rain - to avoid loss of life and property, he said.

Water Resources Department deputy directorgeneral Thanes Dawasuwan said tropical storm Kummuri had been downgraded but still caused heavy rains in many areas of the country. He reported that accumulated rainfall in Thailand from January 1 to August 7 totalled approximately 837.77mm, about 25mm less than last year.

He said that levels of the Mae Khong River, Lam Plai Mas River and Mae Klong River were high while the Sri Nakarin Dam was at 81 per cent capacity and the Prasae Dam at 83 per cent.

In Chiang Rai, the Khong River has burst its banks and submerged three villages. Chiang Saen district was under one metre of water and 100 rai of farmland, including corn¬fields ready for harvesting, had been damaged. Ban Sob Kok with 105 homes and 400 residents was hardest hit.

Riverside residents have been evacuated to stay with relatives living on higher ground, while officials have arranged supplies of food and drinking water as well as sandbags for people to build barriers to try and protect their homes from being inundated by floodwater.