06 Dec 2017 | 03:59 PM UTC
Thailand: Flooding continues in nine provinces Dec. 6 /update 6
Nine provinces still flooded as of December 6 due to months of heavy rain; ground transportation disruptions reported
Event
Heavy rain brought on by a tropical depression in mid-October has led to flash flooding and overflowed riverbanks in a dozen southern provinces in recent weeks, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people so far. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, nine provinces (Chumphon, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Yala) are experiencing serious flooding as of Wednesday, December 6, with nearly 800,000 people affected. Flooding in Hat Yai (the largest city in Songkhla province) is reaching dangerous levels.
Hazardous conditions have also led to significant ground transportation disruptions in affected areas. Train service on the Southern Line linking Bangkok to Nakhon Sri Thammarat is unable to reach Nakhon Sri Thammarat; trains are currently going as far as Thung Song station. However, no major flight disruptions have been reported as of December 6, although the entrance of Nakhon Sri Thammarat Airport (NST) is reportedly under 50 cm (20 in) of water.
Context
Thailand has been hit by severe floods during this year's monsoon season, which typically spans from April through October.
Advice
Individuals in Thailand are advised to monitor weather forecasts, to confirm travel reservations, and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
