RANONG, Nov 28 –– Southern provinces have been warned to brace for possible flash floods and landslides, while residents of the eastern coast of the South should prepare for severe weather next week.
Ranong provincial weather station chief Paiboon Aiumsuwan said the Meteorological Department has issued a second warning asking southern residents to stay alert for severe weather as a strong high pressure ridge from China continues to cover Thailand through December 3.
The stronger northeast monsoon which prevails over the Gulf of Thailand and the low pressure ridge will move from the lower South China Sea to Thailand’s lower South December 2-3, resulting in heavy to very heavy rain in the southern provinces.
Mr Paiboon warned Ranong residents to brace for landslides since the Ranong provincial seat recorded its highest amount of rainfall at 103.6 mm this morning.
Narathiwat governor Nuttapong Sirichana has instructed agencies concerned to brace for heavy rain and pay close attention to weather forecasts. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should keep ashore as the wind wave in the lower Gulf is expected about 3-5 metre high.
Low-lying communities around Song Khla Lake are still submerged. Songkhla Governor Kritsada Boonrat today led officials to inspect villages in Ranot district, where homes and plantations have already been damaged by flooding as a result of high tide and heavy rainfall during the past week.
Relevant agencies have been instructed to keep a close watch on areas around Song Khla Lake especially Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon districts after the meteorological department said increasing downpours can be expected during the next few days.
