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Thai flood claims 39 lives

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IANS Bangkok

The flood, caused by monsoon and depression, has affected Thailand since mid September, killing 39 people and affecting 26 of 77 provinces, officials said Saturday.

A total of 120 districts of 26 provinces are hit by floods, affecting about 990,000 people, Xinhua reported citing officials from the disaster prevention and mitigation department. More than 7,300 people are evacuated due to the inundation.

The meteorological department Saturday issued a warning for people in northeastern provinces to embrace for Typhoon Nari which was expected to bring heavy rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi said the flood conditions are easing.

 

He assured that the situation would be brought under control and that authorities were working to avoid a situation like the great flood of 2011 when more than 500 people were killed across the country.

However, Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Phurisisak said that flooding has cost tourism about $22.6 million.

Somsak said reports about flooding had discouraged tourists from visiting several provinces despite the fact that most destinations and resorts had not been damaged by floodwaters.

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First Published: Oct 13 2013 | 1:02 AM IST

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