Thailand flood death toll climbs to 60 as waters keep rising

Since mid-September, Thailand has endured severe flooding that has claimed 60 lives, according to a government statement. The hardest-hit area is central Prachinburi province, where 19 people died and more than 188,000 individuals were displaced by river overflow across seven districts. In the capital, Bangkok, four deaths have been recorded since September 16, following days of intense rain that prompted a city-wide disaster declaration.

A massive clean-up operation is under way as the city prepares to host the IMF and World Bank meetings next week. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, facing criticism over the flood response, instructed government bodies on Monday to coordinate flood control and transportation to prevent disruptions to the international gatherings. River water levels continue to rise in several regions, keeping the situation precarious.