Thailand affected by Typhoon Haiyan

BANGKOK, November 8 (TNA) - Thailand’s Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute (HAII), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has warned people, particularly those living in the Thai Northeast to brace for impacts of approaching Typhoon Haiyan. HAII Director Royol Jitdon told journalist on Friday that Typhoon Haiyan has been moving from the Philippines, where it has killed at least three people and injured at least seven others, and it is expected to make landfalls, with more strength, in Vietnam and the upper part of Thailand during November 10-11. Royol cautioned that the upper and central parts of the Thai Northeast, and probably the lower part of the region, should be hit by the super typhoon with heavy or scattered downpours. According to the HAII chief, areas which should be mostly affected by Typhoon Haiyan include Si Sa Ket, Roi Et and Surin Provinces, in which some areas have already been inundated since September. The HAII chief also forecast heavy rainfalls in the Thai North on November 11. It is estimated that Typhoon Haiyan, which is considered the strongest storm in the region this year, should not reach the Category 5 hurricane strength, but leveling at Category 3-4. A low pressure mass passing through the lower part of central Thailand, Bangkok and the South has been, in the meantime, weakening with reduced downpours. Meanwhile, there is another storm approaching which needs to be closely watched out. (TNA)