The death toll from the flooding in Thailand over the past few days has risen to 45, Thailand’s public health minister Jurin Laksanawisit revealed today.
Flash floods and mudslides in many southern provinces of Thailand were caused by heavy rainstorms that have hit the country since March 23.
All those killed are Thai nationals, with the highest number of deaths reported in Nakorn Si Thammarat province, where 19 people died in floods.
The torrential rain that has been falling for almost two weeks hit eight provinces, including the tourist zones of Krabi, Surat Thani and Phang Nga, as well as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Chumphon and Songkhla.
The popular tourist island of Koh Samui has been particularly badly affected, with power blackouts, fuel shortages, and increasing concerns about dwindling food and water supplies.
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The rain and strong winds also left thousands of tourists stranded when flights and ferry services were cancelled.
Hundreds of foreign travellers were stranded at airports when flights were suspended indefinitely because of the rising waters.
Although Koh Samui experienced serious flooding last November, wet weather in March and April is unusual as it is the country's "dry season".
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential travel to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao amid the continued risk of mudslides and flash flooding in these areas.