Bangkok, Oct. 7 (SANA) Thailand’s flood death toll has risen to 60 since mid-September, authorities said Wednesday, as river levels continued to rise in some areas and forecasters warned of more heavy rain in Bangkok ahead of next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
Flooding continues
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said 19 people had died in central Prachin Buri province, where overflowing rivers flooded homes in seven districts and affected more than 188,000 people.
Flooding was continuing in 27 of Thailand’s 77 provinces, according to the department, while the Interior Ministry said 28 provinces still had flood-affected areas, impacting about 1.15 million households.
In Bangkok, four people have died since Sept. 16 after the capital received about a month’s worth of rain over several days in late September, prompting a city-wide disaster declaration. Floodwaters have largely receded, but extensive cleanup is underway ahead of the international meetings.
Some areas of the capital were submerged under knee-deep water for several days, leaving vehicles stranded and forcing schools to close temporarily.
Industrial damage mounts
Thailand’s industrial sector has suffered an estimated 6 billion baht ($178 million) in flood damage, the Federation of Thai Industries said Wednesday, sharply raising its preliminary estimate of 1 billion baht issued last week.
Automotive assembly plants have enough parts in stock to continue production until Oct. 12, FTI Secretary-General Panitarn Pavarolavidya said. The earlier estimate covered damage in Bangkok and 14 other provinces.
More rain forecast
Thailand’s weather agency forecast thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain in Bangkok and surrounding areas from Oct. 10 to 12, with further heavy rain expected in southern Thailand.
Rain was also forecast across central and eastern Thailand and the lower northeast, raising the risk of renewed flooding and travel disruptions.
The IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings are scheduled to take place in Bangkok from Oct. 12 to 18, bringing more than 15,000 participants from over 190 countries, according to Thai authorities.
Authorities prepare for disruptions
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered government agencies to manage flooding and transportation to prevent disruptions during the meetings.
Authorities have prepared contingency measures, including deploying around 5,000 police officers and preparing high-clearance tow trucks and helicopters for flood-response operations if needed.
Thailand is in the peak of its rainy season, with scientists warning that human-caused climate change is contributing to the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.
R.H / M.F
