Thailand flood kills 40 

Source: CCTV.com

10-12-2006 09:25

Heavy flooding continues to affect areas of Thailand. Officials say at least 40 people have died, and thousands more have been infected by illnesses caused by waterborne bacteria or parasites.

Flooding has hit 43 of Thailand's 76 provinces since August, the height of the rainy season. The floods have destroyed large swathes of farmland and washed away thousands of fish and prawn farms. Officials are working to determine the cost of damage. The Thai Public Health Ministry has warned that floodwaters are full of fungus and bacteria that can cause skin infections. The Ministry has urged residents to travel through flooded areas by boat or wear long trousers tied at the feet if they must wade through flooded zones.

Editor:Sun Luying