Hat Yai holds ‘Big Cleaning Day’ as flood recedes

SONGKHLA, 3 January 2012 (NNT) – Hat Yai district of Songkhla province has kicked off a ‘Big Cleaning Day’ activity as the flood situation in all areas has returned to normal.

In the wake of a previous overflow from the Ror 1 Canal, all communities of Hat Yai have finally dried out while Phetkasem Road has been fully reopened in both directions. Hat Yai Market and retail shops have also resumed their businesses.

However, many areas still face the problem of flood-borne trash as well as household waste. Hence, Hat Yai Municipality this morning launched a ‘Big Cleaning Day’ event to clear out the post-flood garbage.

Monks of Wat Hat Yai Nai Temple, which was submerged under 1.50 meters of water, gathered to clear mud and garbage out of the temple. Even though household appliances, coffins and air conditioners within the temple were destroyed by the flood, the temple’s Reclining Buddha, which is the 3rd largest in the world, was fortunately not damaged.

Meanwhile, a local school situated within the temple’s vicinity is still littered with debris. Thus, it will not be able to resume teaching in time for tomorrow.

Reporter: Narumon Ngamsaithong – NNT