Death toll from Thailand floods rises to 21

By Arun Saronchai

BANGKOK (AA) - The death toll from massive flooding in Thailand has risen to 21 with authorities expecting the situation to worsen in southern provinces.

Rainfall is forecast throughout the week and 12 provinces have been declared a disaster area, according to a statement released by the Department of Disaster Mitigation and Prevention on Monday.

Flash flood and landslide warnings are also in effect in the 12 provinces, according to the statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters Monday that he has increased army personnel to handle disaster relief.

"This year has been bad, we have deaths reported and widespread flooding. It is unusual for this month," he said.

Roads connecting the capital and the south remain closed and rail routes diverted. An airport in the southern city of Nakhon Sri Thammarat has also been shut indefinitely as the runway remains submerged.

Since Jan. 1, the unusually strong rains have drenched Thailand’s south, cutting off roads and rail tracks, affecting around 700,000 people.