NAN, 6 April 2012 (NNT) – Heavy rain last night caused the water level in the Nan River to rise and overflow its banks into residential area forcing residents to move their belongings to safer places.

Shopkeepers in Hat Hin Khao and Hat Ruam Jai Communities in Muang District had to move their belongings on high ground as the water level increased rapidly. The water color was red as it washed away dried muds.

A local shopkeeper said the area has been a tourist destination during summer; it has never been flooded in April, adding that it should have faced drought instead of flooding.

The provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has told residents not to panic, saying the flood was caused by accumulated rain water. It expects the situation to return to normal today.

Read more: NNT