BANGKOK, 9 August 2011 – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned residents in 21 provinces to be prepared for heavy rainfalls and possible flash floods from now on until 11 August 2011.
DDPM Director-General Viboon Sanguanpong stated that he has warned residents in 21 provinces, especially those dwelling near risky zones or down the hill slope near water ways and river valleys to brace themselves for heavy rainfall and beware of flash flood, forest water and mudslide.
The 21 provinces are Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Uttaradit, Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani and Mukdahan.
Run-off from forests and mudslide can be expected after more than six hours of heavy rainfall with more than 100 millimetres of rainwater. Other signs indicating flash floods are rapidly rising water level as well as small trees flowing down the rivers. Evacuation is highly recommended upon the situation.
Residents living near risky zones are advised to monitor the situation and observe the nature for changes in watercolour if it turns to be similar to soil on the mountain.
The DDPM has coordinated with its provincial offices to dispatch officials to monitor the situation closely while disaster relief equipment must be in the ready condition.
