BANGKOK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) director general Chayaphol Thitisak said Saturday that tropical storm Podul which swept across Thailand's north, northeast and east since Thursday, has caused flash flooding and landslides in 13 provinces.
"The Podul entered the Gulf of Thailand on August 29, bringing heavy rain, flash floods and landslides," said Chayaphol, adding, "194 households in 72 villages in Chiang Mai, Phrae, Phetchabun, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Prachin Buri, Krabi and Ranong were affected."
Chayaphol also said Roi Et Province in the northeast saw the most damage, as people in 38 villages were affected, farmlands destroyed, along with five roads, three water dykes and one bridge.
The director general said that the DDPM has coordinated with local authorities, district administration offices and agencies to assist victims.
Water pumps have been installed to drain flood water in several areas, and survival kits and construction materials also sent to villagers whose houses were destroyed, he said.
