Flash floods hit 7 districts in Lampang

September 5, 2012

LAMPANG, Sept 5 – Seven districts in this northern province of Thailand have been severely battered by flash floods and communication with a remote ethnic minority village was cut off after a bridge was washed out.

Provincial Disaster Prevention and Relief chief Sunlek Kamjai reported on Tuesday that 21 villages in seven districts—Muang, Mae Moh, Mah Ta, Wang Nua, Muang Pan, Ngao and Jae Hom—have been flooded.

More than 350 houses were inundated while the flood level in some areas was 50cm to two metres deep.

The provincial administration ordered the flooded districts to assess damages to determine if any areas must be declared disaster zones.

The local authorities described as severe the latest natural disaster in Lampang after days of downpour, especially in Mae Moh district where rainfall was more than 120mm.

Damages in the seven flood-hit districts is estimated at more than Bt10 million.

According to an official report, communication with a remote ethnic minority village was cut after a bridge on the road to the village was destroyed by flooding. Leaving more than 200 people confined in their village.

The State Railway of Thailand has suspended its northbound train services after a flash flood damaged a section of rail track in Lampang. Passengers can return their tickets and receive a full refund at the full ticket price. (MCOT online news)

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