77 dead in Thai flooding

The confirmed death toll in northern Thailand from floods and mudslides has risen to 77 and 38 people remain missing, the Government said last night.

Flash floods swept through five northern provinces last week, triggering mudslides that buried homes after torrential rains hit the region the weekend before. At least 500 houses were destroyed and 3000 damaged. The Interior Ministry said the disaster had affected at least 170,600 people, with 1240 evacuated.

A spokesman added that floodwaters had receded in four provinces, leaving only one province with high levels.