Flood warning issued in Thailand

Bangkok, Sept 27: Residents in 14 Thai provinces have been warned to brace for heavy rain and possible landslides until Wednesday, the media reported on Sunday.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chatchai Phromlert said a monsoon trough formed on Saturday and will blanket the provinces, causing heavy downpours that may trigger flash floods and landslides, The Bangkok Post reported.

He asked provincial officials to be on full alert to deal with possible emergencies, while closely monitoring the situation. Rapid deployment teams and necessary equipment will be put on standby to help affected residents.

Tropical storm Vamco, which brought heavy rain and floods earlier this month, killed three people and affected 950 villages in 24 provinces across the country, Chatchai said.

The Meteorological Department has said the moderate southwest monsoon would be active over the Andaman Sea, the south and the Gulf of Thailand for the next seven days.

Waves are expected to be as high as two metres.

IANS