Typhoon Kalmaegi Intensifies, Threatens Vietnam Landfall and Thai Flooding

BANGKOK, Nov 4 (TNA) - Tropical Storm Kalmaegi has strengthened into a typhoon and is expected to hit central Vietnam on November 6-7, bringing heavy rain and a significant risk of flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides to much of Thailand from November 7-10.

The typhoon is currently moving west from the central Philippines and will enter the South China Sea tonight. Once it moves over upper Thailand, starting with the northeast, it will have weakened to a strong low-pressure area but will still cause heavy rainfall, especially in provinces like Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Amnat Charoen, and Yasothon.

Anticipating the surge, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is increasing the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam from 2,300 to 2,400 cubic meters per second, effective 10 a.m. today. The agency is simultaneously holding back water upstream and diverting it into irrigation canals to minimize downstream impact. Residents along the Chao Phraya River are urged to remain vigilant.

The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a flood alert for November 7-10 across the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Western, and Southern regions. Additionally, it is monitoring numerous small and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide that are over 80% full, warning of potential overflows. -819 (TNA)