Thailand experiences worst natural disaster in last 50 years

BANGKOK (A.A) - October 30, 2011 - Thailand is experiencing the worst natural disaster in the last 50 years. Floods, triggered by monsoon rains, paralyze daily life in Thailand as Chao Phraya and Tha Chin rivers have overflowed. Thai people are in panic as 28 of 76 provinces are inundated by floods. People are running away from their houses as aid and relief efforts are insufficient and going to higher regions of cities. Executives warn that floods can reach up to 1.5 meters within a few days and can last for about a month, while production has almost halted in the country, which has declared an official holiday for ten days.  According to Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent, floods mostly hit northern regions of Bangkok, including Rangsit, Pathum Thani, Sai Mai, Bang Na and Chang Wattana.  People who prefer staying in Bangkok are stocking foodstuff and potable water. Executives say food and water consumption has reached 15 times more than regular consumption. Despite this, the city is not facing a significant food and water shortage. Domestic flights airport Don Muang is closed due to floods, however International Bangkok Airport is still open.  According to official figures, floods killed 376 people and left 750,000 people in need of emergency aid. 113,000 people had to settle down in shelters.  An agricultural and industrial country, economy of Thailand has also been negatively affected by the floods. Experts say the economic loss is around 10 billion USD.  Floods also hit Thailand's tourism. Almost 1 million of 19 million tourists, who were expected to visit Thailand this year, can decide not to visit the country. Thai government has announced that it was preparing an aid package worth 10.5 billion USD, however the government can debate new packages due to the magnitude of the flood disaster.