Heavy, Flash floods and Mudslides expected across Thailand

BANGKOK, 28 September 2012 (NNT) – Government agencies are warning residents in flood-prone areas across the country to brace for heavy rains and possible flash floods and forest runoffs.

The Meteorological Department has announced that due to a continuously strong monsoon trough covering the lower Central region, the upper South and the East and a southwestern monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand, extremely heavy rains are expected in many areas.

Strong winds will generate 2-3 meter-high waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and all shipping should proceed with caution today and tomorrow.

In Bangkok and its vicinities, widespread thundershowers and isolated torrential rainfall are expected in 90% of the capital.

Meanwhile, the Department of Mineral Resources also urged volunteers of its disaster warning network to closely monitor the situation in risky areas nationwide.

The areas at risk of flash floods and forest runoffs include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Sa Kaeo, Trat, Ranong and Krabi.