BANGKOK, 13 January 2012 (NNT) – Residents in Southern Thailand are warned to brace themselves for heavy rain and gusty wind until Sunday.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, on Thursday, issued a warning, which states that more rain is forecast for the lower part of the South, with exceptionally-heavy rain also likely in certain areas.

As a result, flash flood, river overflow and mudslide can occur in this region.

The Department is also warning people living near hill slope, waterway, low-lying plain near waterside and shore as well as eight other at-risk provinces, including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat to prepare for any possible situation.

Locals in such areas are also asked to keep monitoring weather forecast and warning as well as any sign of weather irregularity all the time.

In addition, officials have warned residents along the Gulf of Thailand down to Nakhon Si Thammarat to watch out for 2-4 meter waves, while small boats should stay ashore for a while.

Provincial offices in eight at-risk cities and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Surat Thani and Songkhla have been instructed to keep a close watch on the situation and stand by for any unexpected situation.

Residents who may need assistance may contact officials at the nearest Department of Disaster Prevention office, or call 1784 Hotline around the clock.

Reporter: Nopparat Chaichalearmmongkol – NNT