Storms, flood alerts as downpours cover much of Thailand

Storms, flood alerts as downpours cover much of Thailand

Storms, flood alerts as downpours cover much of Thailand

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) - As rains pelted much of the kingdom Tuesday, Deputy Interior Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said the government's plan to install gauges to measure rainfall was being discussed in a Cabinet meeting on flood prevention.


He said the Meteorological Department forecast heavy downpours for several days in Thailand's northeastern and eastern regions. Most areas are not at flood risk because run-off capacity is adequate, he explained.


With data from rain measurement devices, government officials will issue landslide warnings if rainfall exceeds 100mm. He said people should cooperate with the authorities to reduce loss.


According to the weather department, a tropical depression in the Gulf of Tonkin will make a landfall at Southern China Tuesday.


The strong southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea and southern Thailand will cause heavy rain countryside, according to the weather authorities with flood warnings issued, especially in hilly and mountainous regions.


Provinces in the lower North which are at-risk areas are Tak and Phetchabun.


In the Northeast warnings have been issued for parts of Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Loei, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.


In the eastern seaboard, Chantaburi and Trat provinces are on alert for possible flash floods. (TNA)-E004