THAI FLOOD DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 11

BANGKOK, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The flood situation in Thailand worsened as it
claimed six more lives Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 11.

Six more provinces in the central region were hit by floods Wednesday as water
from the Chao Phraya River from the north reached the region at about 5pm,
resulting in 17 provinces affected thus far.

Director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Wiboon
Sangaunpong, said the six fatalities today comprised four from Buri Ram province
and one each from Rayong province and Trat province.

Tuesday's floods claimed five lives, three from Nakhon Ratchasima and two from
Lop Buri.

The six central provinces affected by floods today are Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Ang
Thong, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi.

With the new development, about a quarter of Thailand is hit by floods as 17 out
of 77 provinces are inundated.

However, not the whole area of the provinces are flooded.

Wiboon said 3,973 villages in 101 districts in 17 provinces were affected by
floods.

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit Wednesday announced free treatment for
all flood victims at the government hospitals.

The public has been advised to be cautious about flood-related illnesses
including the red-eye disease.

The flood in Nakhon Ratchasima, the worst hit province, is expected to recede by
mid-November.