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Thailand

Two dead as monsoon floods hit northern Thailand

Thailand, Sep 08, 2008 - Thailand's Meteorological Department warned Monday (September 8) that its northern, central and eastern provinces should prepare for flooding as heavy monsoon rains are causing major rivers to rise. Monday's warning came after two people were reported dead and two missing in northern Nan province on Saturday (September 6), when flash flooding hit Tha Wang Pha district, damaging 30 homes, according to the Bangkok Post. In addition to Nan province, parts of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces have also experienced flooding due to steady rain since Saturday. In Chiang Mai, provincial authorities have asked villagers in affected districts to take their belongings and evacuate to higher ground, the Bangkok Post reported. Meteorologists said heavy rain was likely across the country throughout the week due to a moderate low-pressure trough above the central and eastern provinces and the influence of southwest monsoon, which typically affects Thailand from May through October. Flash flood warnings were issued for Chiang Rai, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, Chhaiyaphum, Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi provinces for Monday and Tuesday (September 9), according to The Nation. The Bangkok Post reported that Phayaho, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Trang and Satun should also be prepared for flooding through Wednesday (September 10). Thailand's Water Resources Department said Monday that the Mekong River, which forms a large part of the country's northern and eastern border, is likely to overflow for the second time this year due to heavy rains in Myanmar (Burma) that are causing the Mae Sai River to rise as it drains into the Mekong. In early August, the rising Mekong flooded Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan provinces, according to The Nation. Thailand had a relatively mild monsoon season last year, but 2006 was its worst in about a decade, with 46 out of 76 provinces experiencing flooding and about 40 deaths reported.