Thai flood death toll reaches 53

Thai flood death toll reaches 53

BANGKOK (AFP): Floodwaters in southern Thailand were abating on Tuesday, bringing some relief for residents who struggled to clean up their devastated streets and homes.

The Civil Defense Department said the death toll had risen to 53 in the 10 southern provinces affected by the week-long disaster that affected some one million people.

The damage bill climbed to an estimated 2.5 billion baht (US$57.5 million), including one billion baht in Hat Yai, a major business center and tourist destination near the Malaysian border.

Water levels there, which had risen as high as 2.5 meters during the peak of the crisis mid-last week, had receded to just 20 centimeters to 30 centimeters, the department said in a statement.

Some road links had been restored and tap water, electricity and telephone links were turned back on in parts of the city. However, most shops, restaurants and banks remained closed as staff worked to clean up the premises.