Floods wreak havoc in Thailand; 25 dead

Bangkok, January 10 

Overland routes to Thailand’s flood-hit south were severed today after two bridges collapsed following days of torrential rain that has killed at least 25 persons, including a five-year-old girl.

The heaviest January rains for three decades have lashed the country's south for more than a week, affecting 1.1 million people across 11 provinces.

The unseasonal downpours have also put a dampener on Thailand’s peak tourist period, prompting cancellations on popular resort islands including Samui and Phangan.

The Highways Department said the main road heading down Thailand's southern neck was closed after two bridges collapsed in Prachuab Kiri Khan province.

Trains south have also been stopped by the rising floodwaters, increasing demand on already stretched flights to and from the flood-ravaged region. The death toll has crept up in recent days as floods have reached roof-top level in some areas.

A five-year-old girl became the latest victim when a flash flood hit a van she was travelling in late Monday in Prachuab Kiri Khan province.

“Her family climbed to the roof of the van to avoid the water but she fell in with her mother,” relief worker Rawiroj Thammee said. — AFP