The warning followed the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a weather advisory earlier today, warning of heavy thunder showers and surging waves in the Andaman Sea, resulting from the fallout of typhoon Vamco, which is expected to make landfall on the Vietnam coast by tomorrow. (See story here.)
“Everyone who lives near hills are to beware flooding,” DDPM national office Deputy Director Anusorn Keawkangwan.
He expanded the flood and landslide warning to include risk areas near hills in Phetchaburi, Prachaup Kiri Khan, Chumporn, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat and Phuket.
DDPM officers in all risk areas have been ordered to remain on standby in case they are called to respond to an emergency, he added.
“Phuket will be subjected to heavier rain and stronger winds, just as the TMD has forecast,” one DDPM Phuket officer told The Phuket News.
Most problems arise from runoff not being able to flow freely away from danger areas, he said.
“We have yet to receive any reports of people in distress requiring assistance, but if any emergencies occur, please call the hotline 1784 immediately,” he added.