ID :
293950
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 12:11
Auther :

Heavy downpours warned in Thai Northeast, East

BANGKOK, July 23 (TNA) - The National Disaster Warning Centre has warned people in the Thai Northeast and East to brace for heavy downpours, with possible flash floods in low-lying areas, over the next couple of days. In its latest statement issued on Tuesday (Jul 23) morning, the National Disaster Warning Centre cautioned people living near hillsides and waterways, particularly those in Nakhon Nayok, Trat, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Surin , Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani to be well-prepared for rain storms, with possible flash floods or forest run-offs in the coming days, especially on July 24. Meanwhile, updated reports said that heavy downpours are battering Nakhon Ratchasima Province, known as the gateway to the Thai Northeast, and also the southern Ranong Province. The Meteorological Department reported that the continual heavy rain in Nakhon Ratchasima began last night, having caused a heavy flooding in several provincial areas, especially on the highway leading to nearby Buri Ram Province, with small vehicles being unable to pass through in many areas and many houses on the roadside having been submerged. Traffic along the Mitraparp Highway, linking with Bangkok, has also been under floodwater, causing a long traffic snarl. A heavy flood was also seen in front of the provincial governor’s residence. Local traffic policemen have put efforts to relieve the heavy traffic and asked drivers to try to use alternative routes, as heavy downpours have continued. In Ranong Province along the southern Andaman coast, heavy downpours have also continued for more than 24 hours, with the Muang District having been hard hit, amid the average rainfall measured at 101 millimetres, followed by Kra Buri District with the average rainfall measured at 73.5 millimetres. Ranong's meteorological station forecast that impacts of the southwesterly wind would remain strong in the coming days andthe low pressure from the South China Sea would also result in 80 per cent of the total area in Ranong facing heavy downpours. The provincial weather station, thus, urged local people living along waterways and low lying areas to stay alert for possible flash floods and mudslides; while small trawlers were advised to stay ashore, as waves in the sea could be as high as three metres. (TNA)

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