THAILAND - Flash floods hit North Thailand

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Wednesday, 24 May 2006,

04:42 GMT 05:42 UK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash

floods hit North Thailand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thousands of

homes have been evacuated

 

 

 

More

than 100 people are feared dead after floods caused by heavy rains in

northern Thailand, officials have said.

At least 27 bodies have been found so far, according to

government figures, but the death toll is expected to rise much higher.

Rescue teams in helicopters are trying to reach thousands of

people still stranded in their homes.

The province of Uttaradit is the worst

affected. Up to two metres (6.5 feet) of water is covering some streets.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is scheduled to inspect the area on

Wednesday.

Mr Thaksin resumed his official duties on Tuesday after a

seven-week leave of absence due to the country's ongoing

political problems.

Mudslides

The heavy flooding has come at the start of Thailand's rainy season,

which is expected to last until October.

But the three consecutive days of heavy rain that have hit this

region are very unusual, leading to mudslides and rivers bursting their

banks.

One of the worst hit areas was Lablae district in Uttaradit

province.

Many of the victims are thought to have been swept away by the

flood waters, or buried in the swirling mud.

More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas,

while more than 75,000 have suffered damage to property, according to

Interior Ministry estimates.

Rail services to northern Thailand have been suspended.

" The floods have inundated the rail lines in the north, and

the water is still high. We have to wait until it recedes so we can repair

the tracks, " rail spokesman Monthskarn

Srivilasa told the French news agency AFP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5010994.stm

 

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Jorge Angelino

 

 

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