Thailand faces more flooding, toll rises

Flood-ravaged Thailand, where more than 200 people have already died, could face more inundation, authorities warned Thursday. Torrential rains since late July have caused widespread flooding in many of the country's 76 provinces, with some remaining submerged. CNN, quoting government authorities, reported at least 237 people were confirmed dead across the country. China's official Xinhua news agency said the worst-hit regions are in the northern, northeastern and central parts of the country, where many of the highways remained water-logged. The floods have affected nearly 2 million people. Meteorologists warned of more widespread rains from the strong southwest monsoon stalled over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. CNN, quoting interior ministry officials, reported remnants of Typhoon Nalgae, which struck the Philippines earlier, could also cause more rains. In Thailand's old capital of Ayutthaya, one of worst hit by flooding, water from three swollen rivers was expected to swamp the area in the next three to seven days, the Thai News Agency reported The report said roads leading to the province remained under water. Residents were urged to move their belongings to higher ground and be ready to evacuate. Prison authorities Thursday began evacuating inmates at a flooded prison to Bangkok. In Bangkok, overnight heavy rains triggered flooding on Vibhavadi Road from Don Mueang to Kasetsart University. The floodwaters have damaged dozens of vehicles in the capital. Bank of Thailand, the central bank, estimated the economic damage so far at more than $640 million.