A “YELLOW FLAG” flood alert has been declared at four communities in Hat Yai after two consecutive days of heavy rain led to retention ponds and reservoirs nearing full capacity, Amarin TV said this evening (Dec. 18).
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the Hat Yai Municipality Flood Prevention and Mitigation Centre had informed that heavy rain that started last night and is still continuing reached 140 millimetres at Khlong Mae Rian retention pond station with downpour expected to continue till evening.
This has led to Khlong Mae Rian and Khlong Hoi Khong canals rising quickly.
Due to incessant rain the Hat Yai flood centre has declared a “Yellow Flag” alert in the municipality, specifically along Sam Sip Met, Suphasan Rangsan, Thammanoonvithi and Prachathipat roads and their side streets, as well as the Chan Wirot, Chan Prateep, Chan Niwet and Ratanawibul communities. Residents in these areas are urged to take necessary precautions.
“We are preparing in various ways and closely monitoring the situation via Hat Yai municipality to ensure the safety of life and property,” Siripong said.
Currently, all relevant agencies are fully prepared to handle any potential situation, closely monitoring and tracking changes to respond promptly and provide effective assistance to the public, he added.
However the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that during Dec. 19-24 rainfall in the South will decrease as the northeasterly monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the South weakens. Wave conditions in the Gulf of Thailand will also weaken. In the lower Gulf of Thailand, waves will be 1-2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in areas hit by thunderstorm. In the upper Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, waves will be approximately a metre high, exceeding a metre in areas lashed by thunderstorm.
The North and Northeast will experience cool to cold weather, while the Central region, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, and the East will have cool mornings. Mountain peaks and highland will be cold to very cold, with some areas experiencing frost. This is due to northwesterly winds at upper levels covering upper Thailand, combined with a high-pressure system over the country.
CAPTION:
A canal and retention pond in Hat Yai nearing full capacity. Composite photos – Amarin TV
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