Bangkok: The death toll from severe flooding in southern Thailand has risen to 25, with six provinces remaining inundated as water levels gradually recede, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on Tuesday. Over 664,000 households in 10 provinces have been affected by heavy rainfall and flash floods since November 22, and nearly 29,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, the department said in a statement.According to Namibia Press Agency, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed relevant agencies to step up disaster prevention and relief efforts. Agencies have been directed to prepare public health personnel, transportation, as well as machinery and equipment to assist people in the event of an emergency, as stated by deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan.A moderate northeast monsoon combined with a low-pressure system moving across the lower South China Sea, southern Thailand, and Malaysia is expected to bring isolated heavy to very he avy rains to the lower southern region, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. Residents in affected areas have been cautioned about potential flash floods and runoff over the next few days, particularly in foothills, waterways, and low-lying areas, the weather authority said.