Thai authorities monitor flood situation countrywide

BANGKOK, July 14 (TNA) - Thailand is bracing for possible floods while the Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall over the next few days, with over two-meter-high waves expected in the Andaman Sea. Subsiding waters have revealed a scale of damage in the southern province of Ranong and rainfall resumed and continued there for hours on Monday morning as authorities are on alert for possible runoffs, landslides and powerful waves. In the southern province of Trang, strong waves over three meters high have pounded four coast districts for three consecutive days, affecting a 25-kilometre stretch of the coastline from Hat Pak Meng beach to Hat Yao beach. Storm warnings have deterred beachgoers and all boating activities. In Krabi province, powerful waves also damaged a two-kilometer section of Hat Nopparat Thara beach, where waterfront shops and residences have been evacuated. In the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom, villagers and soldiers piled up sandbags to protect the foundation of a bridge linking Sri Songkhram and Na Kham sub-district. In the northern province of Chiang Mai, a recent runoff also caused damage to bridges and roads in Chai Prakan district. (TNA)