Sunday, April 10, 2011

Thailand floods leave 61 dead


Health authorities in Thailand confirmed on Friday afternoon that 61 people have died following heavy floods and mudslides in southern parts of the country.
Among the causes of casualties were: 46 drowning, eight due to mudslides, three were swept away by floods, two were electrocuted, two were due to other flood-related causes, according to the Bangkok Post.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said that as flood waters recede, over 80,900 residents had suffered from flood-related diseases.
The most common complaints were: upper respiratory illnesses (41 percent) and athlete's foot (35 percent). Depression, post-traumatic stress and suicidal ideation were also seen.
Medical teams were deployed to the affected areas and will monitor 223 patients who were given stress relief pills. They will be referred to psychiatrists of the health department if they do not improve.
About 30,000 medical kits were distributed to the residents to protect themselves against conjunctivitis, dengue fever, diarrhea, leptospirosis and malaria.
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Custom officials on Thursday have seized the largest-ever smuggling of monitor lizards in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province heading for the capital city, in a report by the Bangkok Post.
More than 2,000 reptiles, with an estimated value of 1.8 million baht ($60,000), would have ended up in China.
Seree Thaijongrak, head of the customs investigation and suppression bureau said, "They are from Malaysia and transported through southern Thailand and northeastern Laos to China for eating.
"We knew there was a monitor lizard racket... this time it's the largest seizure ever."
The smuggling of the reptiles is banned in Malaysia and Thailand.
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