Thai-ing down the hatches: Prepare for a flood of trouble

Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued across various regions in Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) advising residents to prepare for potential flash floods and landslides. The alert, announced today, August 29, remains in effect until tomorrow.

TMD has released its seventh announcement regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country and strong winds in the upper Andaman Sea. The warning highlights the likelihood of increased rainfall, particularly in the northern, eastern, and western southern regions, which could result in flash floods and landslides. Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution, especially those living near mountainous slopes, waterways, and low-lying areas.

The heavy rainfall is attributed to the monsoonal trough moving across the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions of Thailand, combined with a rather strong southwesterly monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The provinces expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall include:

• Northern region: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.
• Northeastern region: Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.
• Central region: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
• Eastern region: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
• Southern region: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

In addition to the rainfall warnings, the upper Andaman Sea is expected to experience strong winds, with wave heights reaching 2 to 3 metres and over 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 metres high, while the lower Andaman Sea will have waves ranging from 1 to 2 metres, exceeding 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

Mariners in these regions are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period, reported KhaoSod.

The TMD urged residents should stay updated by checking the department’s website or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, which is operational 24 hours a day.”