Inundation concerns remain along Thai-Myanmar border

BANGKOK, August 16 (TNA) - As flooding in many areas in the Thai North has been receding, inundation concerns remain in Mae Sot area of Tak Province along the Thai-Myanmar border. In the wake of torrential downpours over the past three days, the water level in the Moei River has kept increasing and almost overflown its banks, prompting local traders operating along the riversides in Mae Sot to have moved their goods to higher ground as a precaution. Besides, boat operators have temporarily suspended their transport services due to strong currents in the river. Meanwhile, Nan Governor Suwat Promsuwan told journalists on Tuesday that the flooding situation in many areas in his province is expected to return to normal in the coming hours if there is no more rain. Although 65 schools in seven districts in Nan have remained closed, the water level in the Nan River has been reportedly receding continually. However, low-lying areas along the riversides have remained under floodwater as high as about 1.20 meters, forcing people in affected communities to travel by boat. In neighboring Phayao Province, flooding in Pong and Chiangkham Districts has also been relieving, enabling local villagers to begin cleaning their houses and surveying damages. According to provincial statistics, about 2,500 local households have been affected by flooding in Phayao and about 40,000 acres of farmland have been damaged, while a 39-year-old man has been missing. (TNA)