Storm Noru triggers floods in Thailand

Heavy rains and strong winds from tropical storm Noru swept across northeastern Thailand early Thursday, knocking down trees and triggering flash floods in several areas.

At least one person was reported killed and two injured by falling trees in Si Saket province, but there were no other reports of major damage.

The heaviest rainfall, 215.7 millimeters in 24 hours, was recorded in the province of Ubon Ratchathani where the storm hit hardest, prompting authorities to evacuate more than 5,000 people to shelters set up on higher ground near the city hall, and in some cases, on the side of a highway.

At least five schools were closed.

Rescue workers waded through waist-high flood water to distribute food and care packages to residences trapped inside their homes in some areas.

More than 10,000 households have been affected by the flooding, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The Meteorological Department said the storm has weakened and is moving slowly west and northwest, but warned that seasonal monsoon rains will continue in the north, northeast, and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, the east and the south.

Before hitting Thailand, Typhoon Noru weakened into a tropical storm over central Vietnam on Wednesday.