Heavy Rain, Flash Floods Expected In Northeast Thailand

Heavy rain, flash floods expected in Northeast Thailand

LOEI: -- Villagers living in low-lying areas or near mountains and waterways in northeastern Thailand have been warned to be on alert and ready to move their valuables to higher ground due to possible flash floods and mudslides in the region during the next few days.

Loei meteorological station chief Kampan Butr-raj said that low pressure weather systems were noted early Saturday passing through Thailand's lower north, upper central and northeastern regions.

A strong southwest monsoon system remains over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Mr. Kampan said, adding that heavy rain is expected in the Northeast.

People living in the region are being warned of possible flash floods and heavy water run-off from mountainous areas, he said.

Loei's average rainfall this week was 145.5 mm, while he water level in the Mekong River in the province's Chiang Khan district registered 13.05 metres early Saturday, serious but not yet critical.

Meanwhile, Phichit governor Preecha Ruangchan has warned villagers living in flood-prone low-lying areas near mountains and waterways to be on alert for possible flash floods and mudslides in the next one or two days as heavy rain continued from early this week.

Mr. Preecha asked villagers living near the flood-prone areas to move their valuable belongings to higher ground as a precaution.

-- TNA 2008-09-13