Strong Monsoon Expected To Hit Thai South Again Early Next Month

Strong monsoon expected to hit Thai South again early next month

SONGKHLA, Nov 28 – The northeast monsoon prevailing over southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand is forecast to regain strength in early December, according to the weather agency, while Songkhla residents were warned of possible flash floods and landslides.

The Songkhla-based meteorology centre for the eastern South on Monday warned that the northeast monsoon covering over the region is likely to become strong early next month.

Responding to the warning, So Hemsakul, chief of the Songkhla disaster prevention and mitigation office, urged related authorities to closely monitor the overall situation in 16 districts, in order to brace for possible flooding, storm and landslides though the flooding in the province has eased.

Ten districts at risk of landslides are the provincial seat, Hat Yai, Saba Yoi, Sadao, Rattaphum, Chana, Thepha, Na Mom and Na Thawi, Khlong Hoi Khlong. Meanwhile, districts along the Gulf of Thailand, including the provincial seat, Sathing Phra and Ranot, are expected to be hit by strong waves.

In Narathiwat, floodwater stabilised as the rain ceased. Residential areas and farmland remained under 1.50 metres of water.

Detchrat Simsiri, Narathiwat deputy governor, said the three major rivers--the Bangnara, Saiburi and Sungai Kolok--continued overflowing their banks.

In Patthalung, the floodwaters in the six districts of Khuan Khanun, provincial seat, Bang Kaeo, Khao Chaison, Phak Phayun and Phak Phayom were gradually receding and flowing to the Songkhla Lake as the rain has ceased for two days.

Meanwhile, some 20 local schools reopened after having suspended classes since Nov 21.

The officials concerned expected that the overall situation in the province will return to normal in a few days if there is no more rain.

The flooding in five districts of Patthalung left two persons dead, affected over 154,000 residents, partially damaged 470 houses with over Bt308 million in damage, according to Thanakorn Tabanpreuk, chief of Patthalung disaster prevention and mitigation office.

In Trang, inundation in three districts--the provincial seat, Huai Yot and Wang Wiset--has gradually eased as there has been no more rain for three days. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-28