Heavy rain hits Thai Northern provinces

BANGKOK, August 8 (TNA) - Residents in Northern Thailand have reported deep flooding, as hundreds are forced to leave their homes and farmland behind after heavy rain devastated the region for the past week. Water levels at major canals in Uttaradit’s Laplae district had overflowed banks following rainfalls of up to 160 millimetres. The floodwater was expected to penetrate villages situated in lower areas, while many people were warned to move their effects to higher grounds. Heavy rain also inundated the lower northern province of Phitsanulok Saturday night, flooding several areas with floodwater measuring at almost 50 centimetres. Villagers living in six districts were warned of possible runoffs. In the northernmost province of Chiang Rai, more than 200 houses had been flooded after water overflowed a river banks. Several major roads in the northern capital of Chiang Mai were also under floodwater, making it impossible for small vehicles to pass through. All recreational activities near Mae Sa Waterfall in Mae Rim district had been called off for the week. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said much rainfall would continue to hit the north and northeastern provinces and people could be affected from ‘Utor’ Tropical Storm, which was moving towards the Philippines. (TNA)