Chumphon Flood Situation Improves Except in Sawi District

BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) – The flood situation in Chumphon Province has improved, with water levels receding in many areas after six districts were inundated on Saturday. However, Sawi District continues to face severe flooding, affecting thousands of residents.  

In Sawi, several sub-districts, particularly those along the Sawi River, remain submerged. The ancient Phra Borommathat Sawi Chedi, a significant historical site in Chumphon, was also flooded. Many residents spent the night in evacuation centers.  

Aerial footage captured on Sunday afternoon shows extensive flooding in Sawi District, especially along the Asia Highway 41. Although water levels have decreased by more than a meter since yesterday, many areas, including communities around the Phra Borommathat Sawi Chedi, are still inundated. In some areas, the water level is more than a meter high.  

Residents in six villages are trapped in their flooded homes without electricity. The electricity has been cut off for safety reasons. Local authorities have been distributing food to alleviate the suffering of these residents.

Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

Residents in Sawi have reported that this is the worst flood in decades, despite their preparations. The water level exceeded their expectations, causing extensive damage to their belongings.

Thawatchai Suesat, the head of the Sawi Sub-district Administrative Organization, said the immediate priority is to provide food for the affected residents. The organization is operating field kitchens to serve approximately 4,000 people. Military personnel have set up equipment to produce clean drinking water for distribution to the affected population.

Chumphon Province has reported the disaster has impacted 7,701 households or 43,290 people. The extent of the damage is still being assessed. -819 (TNA)