Floods Kill 31 In Thailand, Waters Recede In Bangkok

BANGKOK, Oct 5 (NNN-Xinhua) -- Floods across Thailand have killed 31 people and affected about 4.14 million others since Sept 16, authorities said on Monday, reported Xinhua.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, nearly 3.52 million people in 26 provinces and the capital are still affected by flooding.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday ordered agencies to speed up drainage, relief and post-flood recovery efforts as the Southeast Asian country braces for a new round of rain and high tides.

Chairing a meeting of the National Disaster Command Headquarters, Anutin said the overall situation was improving, with water levels in upstream areas starting to stabilise and fall.

Anutin instructed operators of full or nearly full reservoirs to release water immediately while protecting communities downstream.

He also called for blocked waterways and drains to be cleared and for water to be pumped out of inundated areas.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong gusts are forecast through Wednesday across much of the country, including Bangkok, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said.

--NNN-XINHUA