The factory - one of six factories built by Nikon across Asia - is located in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, which, according to Reuters, is one of the areas worst affected by the country-wide inundation.

Nikon Thailand is responsible for much of the production of the firm's entry-level, consumer and advanced digital SLRs - high-end DSLRs are produced in Japan at a factory in Sendai.

According to Nikon, the factory has been "submerged by the flood caused by torrential rainfall since last July." It adds that the damages are now under investigation. While, Nikon reported last night that "the human damage had not been reported so far," a Nikon UK representative confirmed this morning that all employees were accounted for.

However, the damages to Nikon's factory, which has been closed since 06 October, are expected to impact the firm's performances. "We are now doing our utmost to estimate the impact of the flood to our group companies and business performance," says Nikon in a statement. "We assure you to immediately advise the findings once it is judged there will be an important change in our forecast."

It remains unclear when the factory will reopen; "We will set up our recovery support system and endeavor to restart its operation as early as possible," says Nikon. "We are now requesting drainage of the industrial park to the Thai government, together with the Rojana Industrial Park authority, other companies in the Park and Japan External Trade Organization."

A Nikon UK spokesman was unable to share more details at time of writing.