Stormy Seas, Southern, Northern Provinces On Flood Alert

[george]

Stormy seas, southern, northern provinces on flood alert

BANGKOK: -- Heavy downpours of rain are expected to impact most of Thailand this weekend, a disaster service official warned on Friday, giving special evacuation precautionary notice to residents of seven provinces vulnerable to flash floods and mudslides.

Director General Anucha Mokhavet of the Ministry of Interior's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are quite strong and could bring heavy rain to as much as 60-70 per cent of the country.

People living near waterways in the southern provinces of Phang-nga, Krabi, Satun and Trang, as well as the northern provinces of Mae Hong Son, Tak and Uttaradit must prepare for evacuation to high ground, Mr. Anucha said, as the provinces could be hit by flash floods, water runoff and mudslides Saturday or Sunday.

He urged residents of the seven provinces to closely follow weather forecasts and instructions from the official metereological service.

Fishermen are also warned to be most careful when being offshore or remain ashore as the ocean storms in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand may be as high as one to two metres, he added.

--TNA 2006-07-15

[sbk]

Well, it rained yesterday but today seems to be clearing up. Its been very wavey and windy the past few days but again, today looks nicer. Maybe its moved south already.

[tourleadersi]

Nice weather for ducks, but no one else.

Lets hope it blows over with the minimum of problems.

[Jai Dee]

The Meteorological Department warns of heavy downpours, flash floods and stormy seas

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for residents in the upper South and eastern coastal provinces of flash floods, torrential rains and strong wind in the sea.

According to the department, the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand is quite strong and can bring heavy rains to provinces in the upper South and eastern coast.

Therefore, residents living on plains, foothills and along waterways in the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Chanthaburi and Trat are urged to be on alert of flash floods and torrential rains from today until tomorrow (July 16-17).

Fishermen are also warned to be highly cautious when going offshore. Small vessels should stay ashore as ocean storms in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand may cause waves of 2 to 3 meters high.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 July 2006

[sbk]

Still windy today but lovely again. Usual weather for the eastern side this year is the afternoon storm blowing through. Had a big one last night but I have seen worse.

Must be raining up north now

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Navy is ready to assist flood-stricken people in the southern region

Royal Thai Navy is ready to assist flood-stricken people living in the South.

The commander of Royal Thai Navy Sathiraphan Kayyanond (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์) said that he has followed up with the flood situation in the southern region. Gen Sathiraphan said he has already assigned his authorities in region 1 and 2 to help residents when flooding problems occur.

As for now, the navy Commander said the situation is under control while more requests for assistance have minimized. However, he said that Royal Thai Navy will always provide unconditional support to residents' request.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 July 2006