Man killed, floods spread in Ketsana path

       Storm Ketsana continued its destructive path across the country yesterday, killing a man in Pattani and causing floods in many parts.
       Authorities are attempting to assess the damage from Ketsana which began as a typhoon before being downgraded to a depression on Wednesday and a low pressure system as it moved across the country yesterday.
       In Pattani, a palm tree fell on an unidentified couple riding their motorcycle on the Kapho-Bacho Road in Kapho district. The husband was killed and the wife seriously injured.
       Ketsana also destroyed 40 houses and uprooted rubber trees in the district.
       Throughout the country, damage was less than expected.
       The Meteorological Department said Ketsana entered the country in Ubon Ratchathani, bringing with it persistent downpours in the Northeast, the East and the Central Plains including Bangkok.
       The storm left many northeastern provinces flooded. Hard hit were Muang,Prakhon Chai, Krasang, Nong Ki and Satuk districts of Buri Ram; Muang and Khukhan districts of Si Sa Ket; and Ban Khwao and Muang of Chaiyaphum.
       Schools in downtown Chaiyaphum have been closed and will reopen on Monday.
       In the North, floods submerged parts of Muang, Thoen, Wang Nua, Muang Pan, Mae Mo and Mae Phrik districts of Lampang, and Mae Sariang and Sop Moei districts of Mae Hong Son.
       In the eastern province of Chon Buri,strong winds and high seas forced fishing boats in Si Racha district to remain at anchor.
       Ferries between the district and Si Chang island, a popular tourist attraction,were suspended yesterday.
       Many small fishing boats reportedly sank.
       Royol Chitradon, director of the Science and Technology Ministry's Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute,warned of more wet weather ahead.Several storms were brewing in the Pacific Ocean and could head for the southern parts of China.
       The storms may affect weather conditions over much of the country in the coming days.