A major clean-up operation has commenced in the areas of southern Thailand which were hit by flooding earlier this week. Hundreds of volunteers have joined with soldiers and municipal workers to start clearing away the mud and debris left behind after the flood waters began to recede.
The southern city of Hat Yai was one of the worst affected locations, but the situation there is improving all the time. However, it could still be several days before all the flood water in Hat Yai is gone. Similarly, on the island of Ko Samui things are much better now as the weather conditions have eased up. Power has been restored to most areas, but localised flooding means that some roads on the island remain blocked. Flights are operating to and from Ko Samui airport, but a number of boat services to Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan are still subject to delay or cancellation. Rail services in southern Thailand are beginning to get back to normal although delays can still be expected with some sections of track undergoing repair. Weather forecasters say that more rain could follow this weekend, but the worst of the flooding should be over for the south of Thailand.
It was the north-east and central areas of Thailand that first bore the brunt of the floods last month. Many of those areas have begun to get back to normal, but it will be at least a few more weeks before the water completely recedes. A flood risk warning also remains in place for Bangkok with a high-tide expected at the beginning of next week. The risk of flooding for the Thai capital isn’t as high as it was last month, but local officials are closely monitoring the level of the Chao Phraya River.
In a statement today, Thai authorities said that the floods in Thailand have now killed at least 140 people and throughout the country more than 6 million people have been directly affected by the flooding.
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