Thai flash-flood deaths reach 35

The death toll in a flash flood that swept away holidaymakers in southern Thailand has reached 35.

About 100 people were swimming in the Prai Sawan and Sairung waterfalls, about 5km (3 miles) apart in Trang province, when the flash flood hit.

At least 10 other people are still missing in the Bantad Hill range and at least 13 of the dead were children.

Heavy rains triggered the floods ahead of the five-day holiday weekend marking the Buddhist New Year.

Authorities resumed the hunt for the missing at dawn on Sunday.

Trang governor Arnon Manasvanich said: "The search is continuing but my belief is we might find more bodies of women and children as they couldn't escape in time."

Sinchai Rongdej, a hospital director in Yantakhao district, said: "More than 90% of the dead were hit by rocks after they fell in the force of the flash flood. Almost all of them had wounds on their heads."

The waterfalls are a popular holiday destination for local people in Trang, 700km (440 miles) south of Bangkok.

All the victims were Thai except for a visitor from Laos, officials said.