Severe Typhoon Kalmaegi is forecast to hit the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani tomorrow and this will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, which will spread from the northeast to the eastern, central and northern regions, according to the Meteorological Department.
Flash floods and river overflows are predicted in the low lands, bases of mountains and in riverside areas, said the department, as it advised rice farmers to protect their rice crops.
Kalmaegi was located in the South China Sea, about 510km to the southeast of central Vietnam, at 4am this morning. With wind speeds of 150kph at its centre, the typhoon is moving towards Vietnam at a speed of 30kph and is expected to make landfall today or tomorrow, after which it will weaken into tropical storm and then a depression as it approaches Laos.
Meanwhile, in the Andaman Sea, the department warned of turbulent seas and high waves of between 2 and 3 metres, with waves in excess of 3 metres in stormy areas. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution and, if possible, avoid venturing out to sea today and tomorrow.
