18 Oct 2022 | 06:31 AM UTC
Thailand: Further adverse weather forecast in southern regions through at least Oct. 21
Severe weather forecast across southern Thailand through Oct. 21. Disruptions due to flooding possible in affected areas.
Event
Further adverse weather is forecast across parts of southern Thailand through at least Oct. 21 due to the southwest monsoon season. As of Oct. 18, the Thai Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang-nga, Phuket, Phatthalung, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Trang provinces. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Flooding occurred across parts of Phuket Province Oct. 16 following heavy rain overnight Oct. 15-16. Areas most impacted include Thep Kasattri, Si Sunthorn, Patong, Kamala, Choeng Thalay, and Pa Khlok in Thalang district. Authorities cut off power to multiple areas as a precaution after numerous powerlines were downed in the overnight downpours. The floods and landslides caused disruptions to multiple roads in Phuket town, including primary roads. While flood waters have receded as of Oct. 18, authorities have warned of further rainfall and associated flooding in Phuket through Oct. 21.
Many major dams across the country have reached capacity and authorities are being forced to release water into rivers, exacerbating the rising levels due to heavy rainfall. Authorities have warned residents in Bangkok and other provinces along the Chao Phraya River to take precautions due to the risk of further flooding due to rising river levels.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
