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Published on September 30, 2007

Flash floods hit highland communities in Chiang Mai as well as lowland areas at Khao Yai National Park in Prachin Buri yesterday.

More than 1,000 homes have been affected, as has farmland. Yesterday evening the situation was reported to be easing and flood waters were draining into rivers and waterways.

Floods and related mudslides hit four tambons of Chiang Mai's Mae Wang district late Friday night and yesterday morning. As many as 800 homes were damaged and livestock pasture and cropland inundated. Three bridges were badly affected.

"We were warned three days in advance by a flood-warning system. Nevertheless, we still have sustained some damage,' Mae Wang district head Jare Saosuwan said.

"It is a seasonal natural disaster we face every year and twice so far this year. We still don't know how to deal with it except do our best to minimise the impact. Some suggest a dam but there hasn't been a decision yet," he said.

Some 200 soldiers are helping villagers with food distribution and clean-up tasks.

"Without further rain the situation should soon return to normal," local official Sathid Khruakhampliw said.

In Prachin Buri's Prachantakham district, local villagers yesterday faced 30-centimetre floods following two days of rain in hill country at Khao Yai National Park.

District officer Somjit Phongarm said continued rain caused Prachin Buri River tributaries to burst their banks.

"It occurs every year but we worry more rain will worsen its impact. We heard water levels at the park's Hewnarok Waterfall are 60 centimetres above normal. Flash floods are still likely," he said. However, the park is prepared.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry will spend Bt1 billion building small reservoirs for farmers outside agricultural areas to help fight drought.

It forecast drought next year would be severe.

Reservoirs will be built in 72 of the country's 76 provinces, said ministry officer Monthon Jiamjaroen.