Thailand braces for floods, landslides

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued an urgent weather alert for 33 provinces across the North, Northeast, Central and South, warning of flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and rising water levels in major rivers, particularly the Mekong, between July 6 and 12.

Sandbags are put up in flood-prone areas in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province on Friday. (Photo: Chiang Rai public relations office)
Sandbags are put up in flood-prone areas in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province on Friday. (Photo: Chiang Rai public relations office)

Bangkok 7 (VNA) – Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued an urgent weather alert for 33 provinces across the North, Northeast, Central and South, warning of flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and rising water levels in major rivers, particularly the Mekong, between July 6 and 12.

As reported by the Bangkok Post, the announcement urges authorities in high-risk areas to closely monitor local weather conditions, rainfall and water levels, especially in locations with rainfall in excess of 90 millimetres in any 24-hour period.

Provincial offices have been instructed to expedite reservoir inspections and release excess water where necessary.

Provinces bordering the Mekong have also been told to prepare for rapid changes in river levels.

Natural tourist attractions such as waterfalls and caves may be temporarily closed if found at risk, according to the DDPM./.

VNA

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