The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) yesterday announced Chumphon, Surat Thai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla were particularly at risk.

The five provinces were among eight expected to face heavy rains at least until tomorrow.

DPMD chief Chatchai Promlert said he had instructed his department’s local offices to watch for possible dangers from flooding and landslides in the five provinces.

“Accumulated rainfall may cause mudslides and landslides. We have to prepare equipment and machinery in event such disasters strike,” he said. “We must act fast in rescuing people.”

Since flooding started raging across the country’s South at the beginning of the year, more than 1.6 million people have been affected.

In Surat Thani, residents have been marooned by floodwaters, which have been a few metres deep for weeks.

Trang residents were also bracing for more flooding as thick clouds threatened more rain yesterday.

Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, meanwhile, said yesterday that the government’s fundraising event for people affected by flooding in the South had earned more than Bt329 million in donations. The event was broadcast live on TV on Sunday.

“The government is in the process of sending money to flood-hit provinces,” he said.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda had made a major contribution. “He has given Bt1 million donation,” Prayut said.