BANGKOK, March 30 — The number of current flood-related deaths in the southern provinces now stands at 11 with the most casualties–seven persons–registered in Nakhon Si Thammarat followed by three victims in Surat Thani and one in Phatthalung, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Vibul Sanguanpong said on Wednesday.

Officially 716,110 persons have been affected by the floods in eight southern provinces – Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Chumphon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga.

Their Majesties the King and Queen have given funds to the Red Cross for emergency help to flood victims in southern provinces, naval and other ships are involved in rescue and supply operations, and the prime minister and flood relief coordinator Satit Wonghnongtaey have gone South to inspect the actual conditions.

Local residents in low-lying areas and along slopes and hillsides in 11 southern provinces are warned of possible mudslides and flash floods. The provinces include Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Songkhla, Phangnga, Krabi and Phuket.

MCOT