People warned to be aware of flash floods and landslides

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is being influenced by a depression and, possibly, a tyhoon or a new tropical storm; therefore, authorities concerned have warned local residents to be aware of flash floods and landslides.

The Meteorological Department said in a statement released to the media today that a depression in the Tonkin Gulf, which was striking Laos after Vietnam, is moving toward Thailand.

The kingdom's 14 provinces in the northern and northeastern regions are likely to be affected by the depression.

They include Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Nan, Prae, Uttaradit, Pitsanulok and Petchabun.

Residents in the provinces, therefore, should be well aware of torrential rain and possible flash floods over the next couple of days.

The Department of Mineral Resources also issued a statement today, warning residents in the kingdom's northern, northeastern, central and southern regions, covering 51 provinces, to be aware of the Talim Typhoon, which are moving toward northern Thailand.

The typhoon or a new tropical strom, if hitting Thailand, could cause torrential rain and possible landslides in areas at risks in the regions, the

department cautioned.

Therefore, local residents should be well prepared for the possible landslides, said the department.

Meanwhile, disaster relief and mitigation officials are scheduled to hold a rehearsal of flood relief operations in the northwestern Tak Province on 7 September.

Officials concerned from 21 flood-prone provinces will join the rehearsal, chaired by Interior Minister ACM. Kongsak Vantana.

--TNA 2005-08-31

Flash floods warning in 14 provinces

BANGKOK: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department today (Wednesday) warned residents in 14 northern and northeastern provinces to brace themselves against flash floods to be possibly caused by a depression storm.

Sunthorn Riewluang, director-general of the department, said the depression storm had moved from Tonkin Bay ashore through Vietnam and entered Laos. At 7 am, the storm was about 100 kilometres north of Nakhon Phanom.

He said the storm would unleash heavy rains, which could result in flash floods and river overflowing.

The 14 provinces, which could be affected, are Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.

--The Nation 2005-08-31