BANGKOK, 25 May 2011 – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a warning of torrential rains for 30 provinces in the North, Northeast, East and South during 26-30 May.
DDPM Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong cautioned residents of 30 provinces in the northern, northeastern, eastern and southern regions of Thailand to brace for heavy downpours from 26 to 30 May. Due to high chances of flashfloods and mudslides, he encouraged local dwellers in risk-prone areas, especially on hill slopes and near waterways, to take note of unusual signs of nature in order to be able to evacuate in time.
Occurrences to watch out for include muddiness of the color of water in natural sources, anxiety among animals, loud noises from upstream, incessant rain for more than six hours and rapid rises of water levels in rivers.
Waves in the Andaman Sea during this period are expected to be 1-2 meters high. Fishermen have been urged to exercise extreme caution when at sea while small boats are recommended to stay ashore for the time being.
Mr Wiboon stated that the DDPM had instructed its officials to be on high alert and keep a close watch on the amount of rainfall in affected areas. People will be evacuated to safe places immediately if the rainwater is found to be excessive.
