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.