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WEEKS of heavy rain have caused further misery in Thailand, reports children’s charity Plan International.
Provinces in north-eastern, eastern and central parts of the country have suffered flash floods, leaving 70 dead.
More than half the country and nearly four million villagers have been affected with many evacuated in one of the worst hit areas, Sisaket, in the east.
Aid workers for Plan are distributing food and other supplies and organising disaster risk reduction classes for children.
“The recent Storm Nari caused heavy rain and worsened flooding,” says Plan’s acting programme director in Thailand, Supol Singhapoom.
“Overall the situation is improving as water levels decrease. Most of the affected people are moving back to their houses and starting to clean up.
“But in Mueng City, there is a serious flood situation with water levels as high as roofs – people have had to move to higher and drier areas.”
Some schools are closed and children have lost supplies and uniforms – prompting fears of disruption to exams.
Flood victims have been supplied with food and water by local authorities, military and other organisations.
“Local authorities are leading the response with the support of other governmental organisations and the private sector,” says Mr Singhapoom.
“They have distributed food and other items and have boats to access flooded areas.”
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org