Flooding worsens but water should recede if rains hold off

The flooding in Prachin Buri province on Monday worsened on Monday with run off flowing in from adjacent Sa Kaew province and Khao Yai national park.

The water level in the districts of Kabin Buri and Sri Maha Pho rose to 1.90 metres. Water draining down from Sa Kaew and the park worsened the situation in many areas, cutting off access by small vehicle to many villages. The Chakraphong army camp in the province provided Unimog vehicles to transport affected people.

Meanwhile Governor Chittra Promchutima said flooding is expected to ease due to less rainfall.

The water is also expected to gradually recede after sluice gates were raised higher to speed the drainage of water on Monday, the governor said.

Provincial authorities cooperated with the irrigation department to raise two sluice gates in Kabin Buri and another in Si Maha Phot district to drain flood water into irrigation canal outlets and 24,000 acres of water retention areas, mostly paddy fields, though this will not impact farmers.

As of Monday, 11 tambons in Kabin Buri, eight tambons in Sri Maha Pho were still under water with at least 3,000 people affected.

Nearly 3,000 rai of agricultural lands were submerged with 108 roads, six bridges and 21 temples damaged as well as 22 schools affected.

Meanwhile Army Commander in Chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha said the army has provided assistance to affected people in Prachin Buri since day one and was continuing its efforts.

He provided assurances that the army would do its best to help people. However he emphasised that as nothing could be done to prevent the rain and thus steps should be taken to prepare the drainage system to cope with the additional water if more heavy rains hit the area.