BANGKOK; Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a flood alert for 16 provinces in the central and southern regions from November 9 to 13, warning of heavy to very heavy rain.
The forecast rainfall could trigger flash floods, rapid runoff, mudslides and waterlogging, prompting authorities to prepare personnel and equipment for round-the-clock assistance.
Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, DDPM director-general and head of the central disaster prevention and mitigation command, said the alert followed an assessment of weather conditions and risk factors, as well as an advisory issued by the Thai Meteorological Department at 5pm on November 8.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain across the South from November 9 to 13, with heavy rainfall in many areas and isolated very heavy downpours.
A relatively strong high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China is expected to extend across upper Thailand and the South China Sea, strengthening easterly winds over Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
The DDPM's flood watch covers two central provinces – Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan – and all 14 southern provinces.
The southern provinces are Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
The DDPM has instructed authorities to alert residents in vulnerable areas in advance so they can prepare for possible flooding.
Provincial agencies have also been told to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall and local water levels, prepare personnel and equipment for 24-hour emergency assistance, and ready potential evacuation shelters. - The Nation/ANN
