Heavy downpours predicted in 15 provinces

BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) -- The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warns of heavy rain, landslides and runoffs in 15 provinces due to the influence of storm Sonca. Chatchai Promlert, director-general of the department, said rain from the storm measured more than 100 millimeters in the North and the Northeast. Waterways are rising and soil has absorbed much water. Therefore, flooding, runoffs and landslides were possible in the regions, he said. The warning goes to Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit and Chiang Mai provinces in the North; and Udon Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces in the Northeast. Mr Chatchai puts his officials on standby for swift rescue operations in the regions. They are also raising warning signs in areas prone to landslides and runoffs and preparing facilities for possible evacuation. The Meteorological Department reported that storm Sonca became a depression and was located above the Northeast. It is moving slowly towards the North and is likely to cause heavy rain in upper regions of the country this week. (TNA)