BANGKOK – Northeastern and Eastern provinces are warned to brace for the imminent summer thunderstorm during 10-12 March 2016, while officials have been ordered to closely monitor the situation, says DDPM chief.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s (DDPM) Director-General Chatchai Promlert has revealed that 20 provinces in the Northeastern region, 7 provinces in the Eastern region, and 1 province in Central region have been warned of the potential harsh weather due to the summer thunderstorm, forecasted to occur during 10-12 March 2016.
He has said the higher temperature in the Northeastern region, mixed with the Southeasterly wind, which brings moisture from the Gulf of Thailand, and the high pressure system from China, will cause thunderstorms, strong winds, and hails.
Local disaster prevention and mitigation officials are now prepared, with officials monitoring the situation around the clock. Equipment have been prepared, along with placing a fast moving unit on standby, officials will be able to provide immediate assistance to the general public.
Buildings, advertisement billboards, and large trees will be inspected for their structural strength to prevent accidents from strong winds, while provincial disaster prevention and management protocols are in place to provide assistance to the affected people at risk from the dangerous situation.
The general public residing in the affected areas are advised to closely follow the weather forecast and official announcements, observe all safety instructions, inspect their houses for their strength, and refrain from using mobile phones or any communication device in open areas during a thunderstorm.
Requests for assistance can be made by calling the 1784 safety hotline available for 24 hours for further actions.
The provinces that will be affected by the impending thunderstorm are Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, Surin, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Chaoren, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
