Tenth Heavy Rain Alert Issued for Northern Thailand
Thailand's meteorological department issued its tenth heavy rain alert for northern and northeastern regions through August 21, warning of flash floods in low-lying and hillside areas as monsoon systems intensify across the country.
The Thai Meteorological Department on August 20 issued its tenth alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern Thailand through August 21, with the northern and northeastern regions most severely affected. The heavy rainfall is driven by a monsoon system crossing the upper north and northeast, combined with a strengthened southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Residents are warned to be cautious of flash floods and flash flooding, particularly in hillside areas near waterways and in low-lying zones, and should avoid routes prone to repeated flooding that may experience short-term inundation. The department named 52 provinces under the heavy rain warning. Seas in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderately rough with waves of 2-3 meters, rising above 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman has waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters where thunderstorms occur. Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman and upper Gulf should remain ashore during the period. The public is urged to plan activities and travel carefully and monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182. The next alert will be issued on August 20 at 5 p.m.
