Prachuap Khiri Khan: Floodwater in Bang Saphan district continues to recede despite the province being pounded by heavy rain yesterday, causing flash floods in several other districts.
Opas Karnkawinpong, deputy permanent secretary for public health, yesterday said Bang Saphan Hospital, which was almost completely inundated by floodwater in recent days, has now halted evacuating patients and was preparing operating theatres for emergency patients after water levels around the hospital receded.
It was decided that seven intensive care patients transferred to Prachuap Khiri Khan and Hua Hin hospitals should remain where they were.
Bang Saphan Hospital also sent paramedic teams to Moo 2 and 5 in tambon Ban Krut to provide medical services for flood-ravaged victims.
Dr Opas said all hospitals remained on flood alert despite decreasing water levels, and announced a new hotline number -- 1669 -- for people seeking emergency medical services.
Elsewhere, pillars supporting Nong Ya Plong Bridge on Phetkasem Road subsided due to flash floods. Repairs will be conducted by the Department of Highways, local authorities said.
In Surat Thani, ferries and boats resumed trips to Koh Samui and nearby islands after persistent heavy rain forced operators to cancel services over the past two weeks.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chaiyaphol Thitisak said heavy rain brought by a tropical depression triggered flash floods, runoff and river overflows in 23 provinces between Oct 10 and yesterday.
A total of 126,390 households in 2,825 villages were affected and 18 people died as a result of the flooding.
Floodwater remained in 12 provinces, including some parts of Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 233,180 people affected.
The other 11 affected provinces were Phichit near the Yom and Nan rivers; Nakhon Sawan, Sin Buri, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya along the Chao Phraya River; and Suphan Buri near the Tha Cheen River.
The five others were Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin and Roi Et, through which the Chi River passes, said Mr Chaiyaphol.
Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department yesterday denied social media claims that another storm was approaching the country.
