BANGKOK, 24 June 2011 – The Thai Meteorological Department has warned people in the North and the Northeast of torrential rains during 24-26 June as a result of Tropical Storm Haima in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Director-General of the Meteorological Department Torsak Wanichkhajorn reported that Tropical Storm Haima was currently dominating the Gulf of Tonkin and was expected to make a landfall in Vietnam tonight. As a consequence, the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand will experience heavy rainfall from now until 26 June with high chances of flashfloods and strong gusts.
Affected provinces will include Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. Local residents are advised to follow up weather reports very closely during this period.
Meanwhile, both coasts of the southern region as well as the eastern provinces of Chon Buri and Trat are likely to be impacted by a monsoon. Although the condition will not be as severe as in the upper part of the country, waves will be as high as 2-4 meters. All boat navigators have thus been warned to exercise caution as they head offshore while residents living near the sea are urged to be on high alert.
