People Flee As Heavy Seas, Storms Pound South

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NAKHON SI THAMMARAT

People flee as heavy seas, storms pound south

THE NATION

Nakhon Si Thammarat has been prepared for evacuation and temporary shelters set up after warnings that giant waves could hit its coast today and tomorrow.

Similar waves in the Gulf of Thailand have damaged coastal areas of Pattani.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) yesterday warned 10 provinces in the South of high and violent waves and heavy downpours.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Viroj Jivarangsan said some local residents in Talumpuk Peninsula in Pak Phanang district had been evacuated to a road for their safety, as they were scared of the waves up to 4 metres high.

The National Disaster Warning Centre said more rough seas would hit the coast today and tomorrow and the situation was critical.

Viroj said he had told village heads in risky areas to evacuate their people promptly and provide shelters in safe areas for them. The province's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office was also told to keep an eye on the situation around the clock.

Pattani Governor Teera Mintrasak said waves up to 4 metres high had damaged a road along the coast in Yaring district, partially eroding a 15-kilometre stretch.

He said many villages in Yaring and Muang districts had been hit by the waves, affecting 1,000 households.

In Chumphon, giant seas from Sunday to Tuesday affected 3,888 people from 1,262 households in six districts. Eight roads, a bridge, two fishing boats and two buildings were damaged.

The body of an unidentified young female body was found on a beach in front of Maejo University, Lamae Campus, in Chumphon. Police suspect she might have died in a boat accident on rough seas.

In Ranong, fishing boats have ceased putting out to sea, resulting in a rise in the price of seafood.

DPMD director-general Wiboon Sanguanpong warned people in 10 provinces - Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, Satun, Narathiwat, Krabi and Trang - especially those living near the coast and mountain slopes, to be aware of the danger of violent waves and heavy rain from today until Sunday.

-- The Nation 2011-12-29

[heatherm]

Can anyone tell me how the seas are in Krabi? I am due to arrive there on the 2nd. I would like to spend my time snorkeling and visiting the islands. I posted this question in the Krabi area already, but they only asked me what movie I was watching. I know Krabi doesn't really get waves, but are the boat tours still going out?

[smokie36]

Can anyone tell me how the seas are in Krabi? I am due to arrive there on the 2nd. I would like to spend my time snorkeling and visiting the islands. I posted this question in the Krabi area already, but they only asked me what movie I was watching. I know Krabi doesn't really get waves, but are the boat tours still going out?

No need to worry. The waves are battering the Gulf ...the Andaman sea will be nice and calm this time of year.

[KhunRobert]

Been out diving today, no big waves. Wind is coming from the east, this mean over main land. To go to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi or Ao Nang is no problem