NARATHIWAT, Jan 10 – Thailand’s southernmost province of Narathiwat on Monday was been declared a disaster zone as incessant heavy rain triggered flooding over large parts of the province and has affected thousands of residents, Narathiwat governor Thanon Vejjakornkanon said.

The governor designated all 13 districts disaster areas and promptly allocated budget to assist 37,000 local flood victims. Meanwhile, 309 flood victims in Ranage, Waeng and Sungai Kolok districts were evacuated to a flood relief centre.

Mr Thanon also said that the inundation damaged 46 roads, parts of six bridges and three drainage channels.

MCOT