17-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Fatalities resulting from the recent floods in northern Thailand have risen to five, as authorities issue a warning of further heavy rainfall expected to hit the region, according to reports on Tuesday (Oct 17).
The country has experienced a series of devastating floods since the onset of the monsoon season in September, resulting in a total of 23 deaths and 33 injuries, as confirmed by the public health ministry in a statement.
The most recent incident occurred earlier this week in the province of Phayao, located in northern Thailand, claiming the lives of five individuals, as stated by the ministry.
Thai authorities have taken preventive measures by issuing flood warnings for 32 provinces on Tuesday. Additionally, heavy rain is predicted to fall in Bangkok, the capital city, and the popular resort island of Phuket.
“The monsoon from the southwest is blowing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and will increase rainfall in Thailand,” stated the Ministry of Interior.
According to a statement released by the ministry, over 62,000 households across Thailand have been affected by the floods during this wet season.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been actively visiting flood-affected areas in recent weeks, overseeing the distribution of survival kits to evacuees.
The country faced a devastating flood crisis in 2011, resulting in the loss of more than 500 lives and extensive damage to millions of homes nationwide.
