NARATHIWAT: The meteorological office of this southern province has warned people to prepare for possible flash floods, landslides and river overflows after heavy rain during the past four days.
The heavy rain has caused water levels in the province's three main rivers -- Sungai Kolok, Sai Buri and Bang Rana -- to reach about 1 metre below the top of the banks. Levels are rising by 5-6 centimetres per hour, threatening to overflow.
People living by the Sungai Kolok river in Sungai Kolok, Waeng and Tak Bai districts will be indundated as soon as the river overflows, particularly in tambons Nanak and Ko Sathon of Tak Bai.
Sukhirin, Chanae and Si Sakhon districts -- through which the Sai Buri river runs -- are also prone to flash floods and landslides.
Hundreds of fishing boats in Muang and Tak Bai districts have been brought aground as sea waves are 2-3 metres high, making it too risky for small and medium-sized boats to leave shore.
