Thailand floods death toll rises to 73

Bangkok, Oct 20 (IANS/EFE) The number of people killed due to floods in central and northeastern Thailand over the past month has swelled to 73, authorities said Saturday.

Over 700,000 people have been affected by the flooding in some 4,000 towns and communities across 22 provinces, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

Nearly 7,500 people have been forced to relocate to high ground in the provinces of Saraburi, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket, a senior official said.

Flood waters have receded in 24 of the 46 provinces affected by monsoon rains since mid-September, the official added.

Rain-triggered flooding also has caused dozens of fatalities in the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.