Disaster officials on alert amid heavy rain warning

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General Chayapol Thitisak has ordered all emergency branches through the North and the South to be on alert as heavy rain is forecast for the coming days.
The North is on alert for heavy rain and possible flash flooding and landslides amid the fallout from Tropical Storm ‘Bebinca’, while the South, including Phuket and Andaman coast is on alert for deluges brought on by the prevailing southwest monsoon.
“The strong southwest monsoon prevails across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand leading to 2-4 meters high in the Andaman Sea but above 4 meters high in thundershower areas, and 2-3 meters high in the Gulf,” said the warning issued by Thai Meteorological Department Director-General Wanchai Sakudomchai.
“All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats keep ashore lasting 20 August. Residents along the coast beware of the inshore surge.
“Stay tuned for the weather update and beware of the severe condition due to a possible flash flood,” the warning added.
People in need of assistance were urged to call the DDPM 24-hour hotline 1784.
The TMD has maintained its forecast the heavy weather to continue through to Monday (Aug 20), with winds expected to gust up to 45km/h.
“Sailors should navigate with caution. Smaller boats should remain on shore until 20 August 2011,” the TMD warned.
“People in the eastern and southern coastal areas are wary of strong winds blowing across the coast,” it added.
People were urged to keep an eye on weather reports from the TMD website (click here) or to call the weather forecast 24-hour hotline 1182.
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