Flash flood warning issued for 39 Thai provinces from August 18-21
DDPM warns 39 provinces of flash floods and landslides from August 18-21, while Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket face rough seas.
- A flash flood warning is in effect for 39 provinces across Thailand's North, Northeast, and Central regions from August 18-21.
- The alert is caused by a monsoon trough and a strong south-westerly monsoon, which are forecast to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall.
- In addition to the flood risk, three southern provinces—Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket—are on alert for rough seas with waves potentially exceeding 3 meters.
- Authorities are preparing response teams, monitoring water levels, and have been instructed to close natural tourist attractions like caves and waterfalls if conditions become dangerous.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has placed 39 provinces on alert for flash floods, forest run-off, landslides and waterlogging from August 18-21, while three southern provinces have been told to prepare for rough seas.
DDPM Director-General Teerapat Kachamat explained that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command had been monitoring weather conditions and assessing risk factors following a Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warning issued at 5am on August 16.
The warning forecast heavy to very heavy rain in some parts of Thailand from August 18-21, particularly in the North and Northeast.
The conditions are being driven by a monsoon trough extending across the North and upper Northeast, combined with a relatively strong south-westerly monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
Sea conditions in the upper Andaman Sea are also expected to strengthen from August 19-21, with waves of 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres during thunderstorms. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are forecast at about 2 metres, rising above 2 metres in thundery areas.
Flood and landslide watch covers 39 provinces
Seventeen northern provinces are under surveillance. They are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani.
The 15 northeastern provinces are Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.
Seven provinces listed in the Central region are Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Three southern provinces face rough seas
Authorities are also monitoring rough seas in Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket.
The warning covers Mueang Ranong, Kapoe and Suk Samran districts in Ranong. In Phang Nga, the affected areas are Khura Buri, Takua Pa, Thai Mueang, Takua Thung and Ko Yao districts. All districts in Phuket are included.
The DDPM has coordinated with authorities in the 42 provinces covered by the flood and rough-sea alerts, as well as disaster prevention and mitigation regional centres in risk areas, to prepare for increased rainfall and possible heavy to very heavy rain that could lead to flooding.
Officials have been instructed to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall and local water levels, while disaster-response teams and machinery are to be deployed in vulnerable areas so assistance can be provided without delay.
Particular attention is being given to locations where accumulated rainfall exceeds 90 millimetres within 24 hours. Authorities in areas with a history of repeated flooding have been told to accelerate drainage to minimise potential impacts and ensure temporary shelters are ready to accommodate evacuees.
Natural tourist attractions, particularly caves, waterfalls and cave passages, are also to be monitored. Authorities have been instructed to issue warnings and close access if conditions pose a danger to visitors.
In coastal areas affected by strong waves, relevant agencies have been asked to issue warnings or install warning signs and prohibit tourists from entering the water when conditions are dangerous. Boat operators, vessel captains and passenger transport operators are also being urged to exercise greater caution.
If sea conditions become more severe, authorities have been told to consider suspending boat services. Officials are also to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in risk areas, ensure residents receive advance warnings and urge them to follow official safety advice.
The public is advised to continue monitoring weather forecasts, disaster warnings, local water conditions and official announcements. Updates are available through the “THAI DISASTER ALERT” application, while assistance can be requested through the LINE account @1784 DDPM or the 1784 disaster prevention hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.
