Search on for missing in north Thailand floods

Bangkok, May 26: Rescuers using dogs, bare hands and helicopters are searching for the missing and taking emergency relief to more than 100,000 people marooned by the worst ever flood to hit north Thailand in over six decades.

Authorities confirmed that the natural disaster followed by heavy monsoon rains had claimed 48 lives while more than 60 people are still missing. About 120,000 people were stranded by the rising waters.

The record rainfall which started Sunday set off flash floods and mudslides in five northern Thai provinces.

In the worst hit province of Uttaradit, some 500 km north of Bangkok, army rescuers were using dogs to locate bodies of the missing believed dead. In Phrae province, villages were evacuated after a reservoir developed cracks.

Rail and road links between Bangkok and the northern provinces were, however, largely restored by last night.

UNI