Northern Thailand hit by deadly floods by Sean Batty
More than 100 people are feared dead after heavy rain in northern Thailand. Rivers burst their banks and cause major flooding as well as sparking huge landslide from the mountains that form part of the Annam Highlands.
Hundreds of rescuers headed to the north of the country by foot and by air. They are battling against a sea of mud which has engulfed houses, trains and shops.
The worst hit part of the country has been the province of Uttaradit. It’s located in north, bordering onto the neighbouring country of Laos. Here it has been reported that up to 6.5 feet (almost 2 metres) of water and mud is covering some streets.
At least 27 bodies have been found so far, according to government figures, but the death toll is expected to rise further today as the rescuers continue their search. Most 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 their homes, while more than 75,000 have suffered damage to their properties.
The storms and flooding have come at the beginning of Thailand’s rainy season which breaks the warm weather experienced in the west of the country throughout March and April. May through until October is usually the time where the wettest weather occurs, with rainfall getting heavier as the season progresses.
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