Quote:Killer flash floods devastate Trang celebrations

BangkokPost.com, Agencies

Unseasonable flash floods have killed at least 36 Songkran celebrants at two picturesque waterfalls on a mountain in southern Trang province. Around 20 people were injured and officials say more than 25 are still missing from the Thai New Year picnic spots.

The flood caused by unseasonably heavy rains in Trang province, 670 kilometres south of Bangkok, caught hundreds of people by surprise at popular Sai Rung waterfall, where holidaymakers were picnicking and swimming, said police spokesman Anek Phangleesin.

Bodies and victims were swept down the river, smashing into trees and rocks along two other waterfalls, including the Praisawan waterfall, 10 kilometres downstream.

The rainy season had not been expected for another two months and the revellers at the popular waterfall did therefore not expect the river to swell so fast, Anek said.

The flash flood came during Thailand's traditional New Year celebration, a long weekend holiday when most people return home to be with family.

At the time the tragedy struck, about 500 tourists were visiting well-known Sai Rung and nearby falls.

Trang Governor Anont Manaswanich mobilised more than 300 rescue workers to comb the areas to search and locate the missing. Search and rescue operations will continue through the night, he said.

Trang provincial authorities have set up an emergency operations centre to facilitate the rescue activities and receive the bodies as they are recovered.

Bodies have so far been transported to Yantakao Hospital.

The governor conceded that there were no loudspeakers to warn tourists of the looming danger in advance.

At least 36 people were confirmed dead at mid-morning on Sunday, with some 50 people injured and missing, a hospital official said.

Pol Maj-Gen Kachorn Siriwan of Trang province said at least 30 people were missing on Saturday night.

"People were enjoying the waterfall and suddenly a flash flood swept over," he said.