KHON KAEN - Floods triggered by heavy downpours swept through several communities in Muang and other districts, affecting hundreds of households.
In Muang district, Wang Sapsin housing estate in tambon Panped was hit the hardest by flooding caused by heavy overnight rain. Many houses were under 50-80cm of floodwater on Thursday morning.
Panped municipal officials were deployed to the housing estate to help flood-hit households evacuate their belongings to higher areas.
A survey found that more than 200 houses at this housing estate were affected, with the floodwater level showing no sign of receding.
Pai Kankhunthod, one of affected residents at Wang Sapsin housing estate, said heavy rains had started since Wednesday night until Thursday morning, causing flash floods to hit his community. Residents rushed to evacuate their belongings to upper floors of their houses, but heavy items such as refrigerators and washing machines could not be moved, he said.
He added his community was flooded every year, but the floodwater level this year was higher than in previous years.
Khon Kaen governor Pongsak Preechawit on Thursday inspected the flood-hit housing estate and ordered the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office to send officials to help flood victims evacuate their belongings.
The governor asked local authorities in 26 districts to be on full alert for possible flash floods and forest run-off in risk areas.