Rescue workers evacuate a child stranded by flooding in Sateng Nok, Yala province, Thailand, on November 30, 2024. - Photo: Reuters
BANGKOK: (Bernama) The Public Disaster Management Center (PDMC) has announced a series of comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall expected to hit southern Thailand later this week.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Wattanachan stated that, as part of these preparations, the Royal Irrigation Department has been instructed to clear waterways of weeds and obstructions to prevent flooding.
According to Sasikan, from Dec 12 to 16, the northeast monsoon will intensify over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region. The situation will be further exacerbated by a low-pressure system moving across the Gulf of Thailand and the southern provinces.
“These combined factors are expected to bring widespread rainfall across the southern region,” she said in a statement here Wednesday (Dec 11).
Sasikan said heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for several provinces on specific dates.
"On Dec 12, rainfall is expected in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. On Dec 13 and 14, heavy rain is predicted to affect Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, and Phang Nga.
"On Dec 15 and 16, heavy rainfall is forecast for Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi," she said.
In addition to flooding concerns, Sasikan said landslide warnings have been issued for specific high-risk areas.
She said between Dec 11 and 13, areas at risk of landslides include Phunphin District in Surat Thani and Panare, Mayo, and Sai Buri Districts in Pattani.
Local authorities have been urged to monitor conditions closely and be prepared to respond as needed.
Meanwhile, Sasikan said relief efforts for flood-affected areas are ongoing while currently, Nakhon Si Thammarat is the only province still experiencing significant flooding.
She said recovery initiatives are also being implemented in areas where floodwaters have receded.
Sasikan stated that skilled labor teams from the Department of Skill Development have been deployed to assist with the repair of damaged property, which includes homes, motorcycles, and electrical appliances.
"Government agencies remain on high alert, with emergency response teams ready to provide assistance. Authorities have urged residents who need to evacuate their animals to public roads to coordinate with local officials to ensure the safety of both the animals and road users," she said.
She added that with heavy rain expected to persist over the coming days, officials are taking every possible precaution to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods. - Bernama
