Thailand: Flooding closes Nakhon Sri Thammarat airport Dec. 7 /update 7

Event

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 from Thursday, December 7, through Monday, December 11. 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. Nakhon Sri Thammarat Airport (NST) will be closed on Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8, due to flooding. On December 6, the entrance was already under 50 cm (20 in) of water. The airport may reopen on Saturday, December 9, but is likely to remain closed until Monday, December 11.

Train service out of Nakhon Sri Thammarat will continue to be severely affected in the coming days. On Wednesday, December 6, trains on the Southern Line linking Bangkok to Nakhon Sri Thammarat were unable to reach the latter city; train service stopped at Thung Song station.

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.