Three districts in Thailand's southern Pattani province have been declared natural-disaster zones after flash floods inundated almost 2,000 homes on Thursday night, the Bangkok Post reported Saturday.

Continuous heavy downpours on Thursday caused flash-floods from Sai Khao and Sankalakiri mountains, culminating in 222 millimeters of rainwater in some areas.

Officials said 1,714 homes were inundated, affecting over 6,000 people.

Pinyo Pannui, an official at the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office, said Khok Pho, Nong Chik and Muang districts had been declared natural-disaster zones and would be eligible for disaster-relief funds.

He said the Pattani River was on the verge of overflowing its banks on Friday and waterside houses would probably become flooded if the rains continue.

Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul Friday visited Koh Samui to try and prevent a third round of flooding on the Surat Thani resort island. He said December was the high season and Samui was currently hosting 20,000 tourists.

Low-lying areas in Surat Thani province's districts of Chai Buri, Phrasaeng, Wiang Sa, Ban Na San and Khian Sa remain flooded as the rains continue. The Ta Pi River rose to 5.7 meters at noon on Friday, said provincial weather forecaster Surachai Rattanarangsan.

The Meteorological Department issued a warning of possible heavy to torrential rain in the South until Sunday. As the low pressure remains over Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun provinces, the weather bureau urged residents to watch for flash-floods and overflows.

Winds on the Gulf of Thailand have strengthened and caused waves two to three meters high. Fishermen have been warned to be cautious, and small boats should not venture out until Thursday, the report said.

Source: Xinhua