The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued an urgent warning for 49 provinces and Bangkok to prepare for the possibility of floods, forest runoffs, landslides and high waves between August 6 and 9.
DDPM Director General Teerapat Kutchamath stated on Wednesday that the warning follows a weather alert from the Thai Meteorological Department regarding a strong monsoonal trough moving across the far north and northeast, alongside an intense and prevailing southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to trigger localised flooding, waterlogging and landslides in 15 northern provinces, 17 northeastern provinces, 13 central provinces and Greater Bangkok, as well as 4 southern provinces.
Rough seas are also forecast for northern-most upper coastal regions. Waves in the northern Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2 to 4 metres, especially during thundershowers, while the northern Gulf of Thailand could see waves rising 2 to 3 metres high. Heavy surf may be seen in specific districts in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang-nga and Phuket.
In response, the DDPM has instructed provincial authorities and regional centres to monitor local weather conditions and water levels around the clock. Emergency Response Teams (ERT) and heavy machinery have been deployed to high-risk zones to provide immediate relief as required.
Authorities have been authorised to close natural tourist spots, such as caves and waterfalls, if conditions become hazardous. Local officials along the coasts are installing “No Swimming” warning flags, while boat operators are urged to navigate with caution or suspend operations entirely if sea conditions deteriorate.
Regional disaster management centres have established 24-hour command centres to coordinate emergency operations. Temporary shelters are also being prepared with stocks of food, drinking water and essential supplies for use in the event of local evacuations.
