Downpours Prompt Flood And Landslide Warnings

Downpours prompt flood and landslide warnings

PHUKET: Strong winds and heavy rain along the coasts of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have prompted the Meteorological Department to issue warnings of the possibility of flooding and landslides.

Vichit Phuangsombat, Director of the Southern Meteorological Center (West Coast), which is near Phuket International Airport, today told the Gazette, “The heaviest recorded rainfall in Thailand yesterday was at Ranong with 153.4 millimeters.

“Ranong and Phang Nga provinces may experience flooding, and Phuket should be careful of landslides, too,” K. Vichit said, adding that Phuket had received less rain than its northern neighbors.

The warning also advised all shipping to proceed with caution and recommended that small boats stay in harbor. “Small boats should not put to sea because waves are currently reaching up to three meters,” K. Vichit said.

K. Vichit said that the heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue for two or three days, with an overnight forecast of scattered showers or thundershowers with southwesterly winds of 20-40kmh.

Metha Mekarat, Chief of the Phuket Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, told the Gazette that there have been no reports of flooding or landslides in Phuket.

“We always keep an eye on landslide risk areas in Phuket. People concerned that their areas are at risk [of landslides or floods] should call us at Tel: 076-273019-20,” K. Metha said.

--Phuket Gazette 2004-07-26