Severe flooding has devastated Nakhon Si Thammarat as relentless rain continues to batter the province, submerging key city areas and causing another fatality, bringing the death toll to four. Residents have been urged to stay alert as the situation worsens.
Heavy rain has persistently hit Nakhon Si Thammarat for several days. Although there was a brief reprieve yesterday morning, December 15, the rain resumed later in the day and continued overnight.
This continued deluge has led to significant flooding, especially within the municipal areas, with Pattanakarn-Kukwang Road, a key economic hub, being particularly hard-hit.
Floodwaters have reached depths of 50 to 70 centimetres between the Keha 1 Village and Kukwang Intersection, a stretch of approximately 6 kilometres. Small vehicles are unable to navigate these waters, forcing businesses to temporarily close. In lower-lying communities, water levels have risen to over 1 metre.
Ratchadamnoen Road, outside Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, is also experiencing rising water levels. Emergency measures have been implemented, with sandbags placed at the entrance to prevent further flooding. Patient transport vehicles are now required to use alternative entrances.
The Na Sai subdistrict, Mueang district, and surrounding areas are similarly affected, with water levels ranging from 100 to 120 centimetres in some spots.
The latest reports indicate that Route 401, a major artery between Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, is heavily flooded, obstructing passage for small vehicles, with only ten-wheeler trucks able to navigate. Damage assessments are ongoing as the full extent of the impact remains unclear.
Other affected roads include Route 403 in the Phrasaeng district, where all vehicles are unable to pass, as well as the access roads to the Na San government complex and Naphru-Benjama route. In Sichon district, the road from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Surat Thani is impassable due to flooding from Ban Ton Riang to the Wat Chedi entrance.
Ratchadamnoen Road near Maharaj Hospital is submerged under 30 to 50 centimetres of water, and Pattanakarn-Kukwang Road remains inaccessible to small vehicles. At the airport road, water has begun to flood the left lane and the entrance to the airport is under 30 centimetres of water.
As of 9.30am today, heavy rain continues unabated, with dark, overcast skies showing no sign of clearing. Reports confirm another drowning in Kampaeng Saen subdistrict, Mueang district, increasing the number of flood-related deaths to four.
Provincial agencies have issued warnings, urging residents to closely monitor updates from the Meteorological Department. As of 10am, significant flooding on Ratchadamnoen Road outside Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital has been observed, with water levels rising between 50 to 70 centimetres within less than an hour, making navigation extremely difficult.
Throughout Nakhon Si Thammarat, the situation has caused widespread disruption, with businesses in the city closing operations, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is Nakhon Si Thammarat particularly vulnerable to severe flooding?
Its geography, infrastructure, and weather patterns often exacerbate flood conditions, creating significant challenges during heavy rains.
How do severe floods impact the local economy in affected areas?
Floods disrupt business operations, damage infrastructure, and hinder transportation, leading to economic losses and prolonged recovery efforts.
What if the flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat continues to worsen?
Prolonged flooding could lead to more severe infrastructure damage, displacement of residents, and increased risk of waterborne diseases.
How can communities prepare for future severe weather events?
Implementing better flood management systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and raising awareness can enhance community preparedness.
What role does climate change play in the increasing severity of floods in Thailand?
Climate change contributes to more intense and frequent rainfall, exacerbating flood risks and challenging existing mitigation strategies.
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