Thailand braces for severe weather as storm Whipa hits 19 provinces
Rising flood risk prompts alerts for residents
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 17th warning regarding tropical storm Whipa, which continues to bring heavy rainfall across four regions in Thailand, affecting 19 provinces.
Residents have been advised to be vigilant against potential floods, flash floods, and forest runoffs as sea waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach heights of 2 to 4 metres.
Today, July 24, it was reported that the strong low-pressure area, which has weakened from tropical depression Whipa, is covering the upper parts of the northern region. It is anticipated to further weaken and move along the monsoon trough over northern Thailand and upper Laos towards Myanmar between July 25 and July 26.
The influence of this intense low-pressure area, coupled with the strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, is forecasted to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern, upper northeastern, western central, and eastern regions from July 23 to July 24.
Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution due to the risk of heavy rainfall and accumulated rain, which may lead to flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying zones.
Provinces expected to be significantly affected by the heavy rainfall today, July 24, include:
Northern region: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet.
Northeastern region: Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani.
Central region: Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi.
Eastern region: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
In the upper Andaman Sea, waves are expected to reach 2 to 4 metres, and in areas with thunderstorms, waves may exceed 4 metres in height. In the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, waves are likely to be 2 to 3 metres high, with higher waves in thunderstorm areas.
Mariners are advised to proceed with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore until July 25.
For safety and to mitigate potential impacts, residents are urged to prepare for possible evacuation if conditions become critical and to closely follow updates from the TMD. Information can be accessed on the department’s website at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 or 1182, available 24 hours a day, reported KhaoSod.
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