SUKHOTHAI: The floodwater that has inundated this former capital city for the past few days was gradually receding on Tuesday, as people struggled to recover from what is said to be the worst flooding in 10 years.
The 5-kilometre stretch of main road through the town's business area had become a deep canal.
On Tuesday morning, the water level was still high and the road impassable to small vehicles.
At Sukhothai Hospital, on one side of this road, the water was still 40 centimetres deep. Temporary wooden footways were built so people could enter the hospital from the main road and walk between hospital buildings.
The bodies of patients who died over the past few days were carried on stretchers along the walkways to flat-bottom boats, which took them to temples for religious ceremonies.
At Moo 14 village in tambon Ban Kluay in Muang district, residents had slept on an unflooded road for three or four nights. Their personal belongings, farm equipment and domestic animals had also been moved to high ground.
On Tuesday, the floodwater in their village was still about 40 centimetres deep and they waiting for it to recede before moving back in.
Residents agreed this year's flooding was probably the worst in 10 years.
