Thailand flood claims 39 lives

The flood, caused by monsoon and depression, has affected Thailand since mid September, killing 39 people and affecting 26 of 77 provinces, officials said Saturday. A total of 120 districts of 26 provinces, mostly in the north, northeastern and central are hit by floods, affecting about 990, 000 people, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said. More than 7,300 people are evacuated due to the inundation. The Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a warning for people in northeastern provinces to embrace for Typhoon Nari which was expected to bring heavy rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said that the flood conditions are easing. He assured that there would be no great flood in Bangkok as happened in 2011 when flood killed more than 500 people across the country. Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Phurisisak revealed that flooding has cost tourism about 22.6 million U.S. dollars. Somsak said reports about flooding had discouraged tourists from visiting these provinces despite the fact that most destinations and resorts had not been damaged by floodwaters.