Thailand: Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport reopens Dec. 10 /update 8

Event

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) reopened on Sunday, December 10, after having been closed since December 7 due to flooding.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, ten provinces (Chumphon, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, and Yala) are expected to experience further rain and subsequent serious flooding through Monday, December 11. Flooding in Hat Yai (the largest city in Songkhla province) is reaching dangerous levels.

Context

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 and affecting nearly 800,000 people.

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.