Weather warning issued for Phuket

PHUKET: The Phuket office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a heavy rain warning from today to September 19 due to Tropical Storm Vamco, which is bound for Vietnam.

“It is not a serious warning,” said Santhawat Riwleung, chief of the DDPM Phuket. “There will be rain everyday, some of which will be very heavy. We have issued the warning so that local authorities can prepare for possible flooding.”

There is not a small boat warning in effect. However, Mr Santhawat confirmed that if the storm changes direction or strength, one may be issued.

Tropical Storm Vamco is expected to affect the north and northeast part of Thailand more severely than Phuket.

“I would like to advise drivers to be safe. Wear your seat belts and helmets,” Mr Santhawat said. “If heavy rain makes it difficult to drive, pull over until the weather has improved.”

— Kongleaphy Keam