Thailand prepared for more storms

BANGKOK, October 12 (TNA) - Three more storms are in the region and will, probably, head toward Thailand, one of which is named Typhoon Nari and is of most concern as it is expected to reach Vietnam next week. Accompanied by two other senior officials, Suphot Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, told the weekly TV and radio programme of Prime Minister Yinngluck Shinawatra on Saturday that Typhoon Nari is now in the Philippines, where it has killed eight people, and it is expected to reach Vietnam around October 16-17 and will, probably, affect Thailand. However, Suphot said a meeting was held with 16 US, European and Thai meteorological agencies earlier and found that a high pressure from China is moving for the first time in a century and may meet and weaken Typhoon Nari. Suphot reported that Tropical Storm Wipha is still too far and is now locating over the Pacific Ocean and may later lose its strength and eventually becomes a typhoon, while Tropical Cyclone Phailin is now around the Indian Ocean and expected to approach India and it was forecast that the southern coastal Thai province of Ranong could be affected slightly. The flooding situation in Thailand has, meanwhile, eased with 28 out of a total of 42 provinces remaining under floodwater. Out of the total, Sa Kaeo bordering Cambodia, Kanchanaburi bordering Myanmar, Chachoengsao and Prachinburi, all in the Thai East, are still facing heavy floods.(TNA)