Severe storms, floods kill 10 in Australia, 6 in Thailand

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 10 people were killed after severe storms hit Australia over Christmas and Boxing Day, while six people were killed due to floods in Thailand, local media reported on Wednesday.

Body of the 10th person was found in the eastern Gippsland region of Australia's Victoria province on Wednesday, Canberra-based ABC news reported.

Queensland, Victoria and News South Wales provinces were severely hit by storms over past few days, which also caused flash flooding.

Heavy rains and flooding also affected people and caused severe damages in Thailand and Malaysia, where tens of thousands of people were relocated to safer places.

At least six people were killed in floods that severely hit five provinces in Thailand, affecting around 70,000 households.

One person is still missing, daily Bangkok Post reported.

The flood levels are, however, receding.

In neighboring Malaysia, the heavy downpours have affected over 40,000 people nationwide.

​​​​​​​Malaysian banks said they will provide financial assistance, including repayment of loans and waiver of fees, to affected people, Kuala Lumpur-based Free Malaysia Today reported.