SEVERE floods in Far South Pattani province worsened today (Nov. 24) after a dam urgently opened all seven gates to drain out water as a large mass is flowing in with torrential rain continuing to lash all 12 districts while three persons have died so far, Amarin TV said.
The release of water from Pattani Dam, necessitated by large amounts of water flowing down from northern Yala province’s Krong Pinang and Bannang Sata districts, caused Pattani river to rise rapidly and overflow its banks inundating riverside dwellings then spreading out further.
Floodwaters have reached as high as 60cm in some areas while in others over a metre. Villagers have been forced to switch from motorcycles to boats as their primary means of transport with the atmosphere being tense and uncertain.
Valuable belongings were hurriedly moved to higher areas throughout the night, as residents feared floodwaters would continue to rise with every passing minute.
Meanwhile, Mr. Muhammad Arif Wasalae, provincial council member of Pattani City District 2, Ms. Naphatchamon Sangkaew from Be One with Or Foundation, and Mr. Manosadee Ngo, mayor of Bana Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, expedited the opening of temporary shelters for bedridden patients, young children and the general public. Many families in Bana subdistrict and Mueang Pattani district are now unable to live in their homes, particularly bedridden patients who have been evacuated in a special manner.
Of the three persons who died two drowned while the third was electrocuted with the authorities having cut power to several communities to prevent more accidents.
Residents living in Pattani river basin and officials are closely monitoring the flooding with the latter working hard at providing assistance to victims.
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Heavy flooding in Pattani. Photos – Amarin TV
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