KUALA LUMPUR: The Thailand and Myanmar border was hit by sever flooding after heavy rain was seen on Friday evening. The Thai News Agency (TNA) reported that trade between the two countries along the border came to a standstill on Saturday after the harbors along the Moei River were forced to be closed temporarily as a result of the flooding. Officials were reported to have said that cargo boats operating between the Thai border district of Mae Sot and the Myanmar town of Myawaddy had stopped operations as harbors were heavily inundated, making it impossible to unload goods. Floodwater of over one meter “has inundated both the Thai and the Myanmar border while government offices and more than 10 villages on the Thai side are currently flooded,” the TNA report said. The market, situated near the river, is completely covered with water reaching nearly two meters, and almost reaching the signboard which says “Thailand's westernmost point,” erected near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. Officials said houses and cars on the Myawaddy side have been heavily damaged by the severe flooding while harbors are closed for an indefinite period. Border patrol policemen in Mae Sot have requested two flat-bottomed boats to be dispatched to the area along with reinforcements to help evacuate the sick, aged and children from the inundated villages.
