Residents of Don Chimphli are severely troubled as floodwaters remain stagnant for months, turning dark and emitting foul odors. Aedes mosquitoes have bred in large numbers, biting people and causing rashes. They appeal to relevant agencies for urgent assistance.
On 27 Oct 2016 GMT+7, reporters surveyed the flooding situation in Don Chimphli subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. Houses along the main road still faced flooding. Although water levels were not very high, residents used wooden planks as bridges to enter and exit their homes, as walkways and surrounding areas remained flooded, to avoid leeches and wading through water that had begun to rot and darken.
Meanwhile, floodwaters around houses and alleys in several areas have turned dark and started to smell foul. After previously receding, water levels have now stagnated for about 2–3 days, forcing residents to endure polluted water around their homes with no sign of drying soon.
Beyond the foul water, residents are increasingly concerned about rapidly multiplying Aedes mosquitoes breeding in stagnant pools. Many have been bitten, developing rashes that disrupt daily life and raise worries about health and sanitation if the situation continues.
Mr. Kayam Mhainikom, 76, a resident of village 5, Don Chimphli, said villagers are facing multiple problems: polluted water, foul odors, and rising mosquito numbers. Especially as water levels begin to recede but remain stagnant, preventing flow and spreading unpleasant smells throughout the area.
The polluted water issue affects every corner. Some areas also suffer water supply limitations; Mr. Kayam must buy bottled water for bathing and daily use because his well is flooded and the water has turned dark. The mosquito problem is more worrisome, as stagnant water serves as breeding grounds, causing residents to develop rashes from bites both day and night.
He added that flooding in low-lying areas like Don Chimphli differs from higher terrain, as floodwaters drain slowly, sometimes lasting for months. Even when levels start to drop, without continuous drainage, residents remain forced to live amid stagnant floodwaters.
Mr. Kayam also appealed to the government and relevant agencies to urgently address the polluted water and mosquito problems causing serious distress to the community. He acknowledged that compensation funds are insufficient for the damage suffered, as many household items were affected by the flood, with some unable to be moved in time and thus spoiled.
