Phuket disaster chief says latest precautionary weather warning is “just regular”

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A wind and rain storm swept through Phuket around 3.00am this morning, bringing minor damage, causing branches to fall across roads, and waking up residents around the island.

Meanwhile, the national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) office, along with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of, “a high possibility of flash floods due to continuous heavy rain.”

In Phuket, the Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the DDPM is urging people to take heed of the warning, while issuing reassurance that it is simply a “regular” advisory.

“We need to issue such warnings just in case. The notice is mostly aimed at officials to make sure they are ready just in case they are needed urgently, but we need to warn people in risk areas, too.”

The notice covers the period up to Saturday, August 31, and warns of heavy isolated rains and strong wind waves reaching up to 3 metres high across the Andaman provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

The warning follows a similar one issued by the TMD’s Southern Meteorlogical Centre (west coast) near Phuket airport.

“The southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify. People should beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and water runoff. Additionally, people in Andaman coast provinces, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Thang, Satun, and eastern provinces, Chataburi and Trat, should also be aware of landslides.

Those who live or have businesses close to the beach should be careful and alert of the danger of wind waves. Boat operators are advised to exercise caution, and small boats are urged to refrain from going out to sea until the storm weather passes.”

People were urged to follow TMD weather announcements, and for more information to check the TMD website or call the weather forecast hotline on 1182.

SOURCE: ThaiVisa and The Phuket News