People living in Thailand’s central, lower north-eastern, eastern and southern regions have been warned to brace for heavy rain in the next 24 hours, which may result in flash floods in some areas and overflowing rivers, due to the influence of a strong south-westerly monsoon looming over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and an atmospheric depression in the central South China Sea, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

In the meantime, the National Water Directorate has issued a warning of possible flash flooding and landslides in some areas of 14 provinces in lower central, lower north-eastern, eastern and upper southern regions today (Thursday) until tomorrow, due to the strengthening of the south-westerly monsoon.

The Weatherman forecasts rough seas, with waves of 2-3 meters and higher in areas hit by storms in the Andaman Sea and in the Gulf. Vessels, especially small ones, have been advised to remain ashore.

The weather forecast, from 6am today until 6am tomorrow,for all parts of Thailand are as follows:

• Northern region. Rains cover 40% of the region, mostly in Phetchabun, Phitsanuloke, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai and Tak provinces.
• North-eastern region. 40% of the region will experience rain, with isolated heavy showers in Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen and Muk Dahan provinces.
• Central region. Rains are predicted in 70% of the region, with occasional heavy rain in Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Kanchanabur4i, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon provinces.
• Eastern region. 60% of the region is expected to seerainfall, with heavy rain in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Waves in the Gulf average two meters high and higher in storm-hit areas.
• Southern region (east coast). 60% of the region to face rain, with isolated heavy showers in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumporn and Surat Thani.
• Southern region (west coast). Rain predicted in 70% of the region, with isolated heavy showers in Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Waves in the Andaman Sea average 2-3 meters high and over threemeters in storm-hit areas.
• Bangkok. 60% of the capital is predicted to face rain, with heavy rain in some areas.

According to the National Water Directorate, flash floods andlandslides are anticipated in areas of Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumporn, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang-nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun from today until October 10th.

It says that the following reservoirs, which are now more than 80% full, may overflow spillways and inundate downstream areas.  They are Lam Tapern and Phu Takien reservoirs in Kanchanaburi, Huai Mahad reservoir in Ratchaburi, Huai Sai Ngarm in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Klong Ya as well as Klong Hang in Krabi.

Source: Thai PBS World
Photo: Khaosod