Thailand: Tropical Storm Nangka to bring heavy rain October 16

Event

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that Tropical Storm Nangka will bring heavy rains and potential flash flooding from Friday, October 16, ahead of its landfall in central Vietnam between Friday and Saturday, October 17. Heavy to very heavy rains and strong winds are expected from Friday in parts of Central, East, North, Northeast, and South regions and will affect these areas until Sunday, October 18. A full list of affected areas within these regions can be found here. Nangka will compound the flooding already brought about by the recent passage of Tropical Storm Linfa. Ongoing flooding is reported in the provinces of Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo, Satun, and Surat Thani. Linfa also brought landslides to Phuket, Krabi, and Satun.

Disruptions to business and transport are possible in the affected areas in the near term.

Context

Storm systems are common during the monsoon season from May to October across the country, except for the southeastern coast, where the wet period runs from October to February. Storms usually approach from the western North Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea and typically weaken as a tropical depression as they reach the country, given its geographical location. In addition, thunderstorms often affect northern Thailand between April and October, and the southern part of the country from March to November. These storm systems have the potential to unleash heavy downpours and powerful winds as well as trigger a major storm surge that all pose considerable hazards to human life and infrastructure.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate continuing disruptions, and never drive or walk through flooded streets. Floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products and present residual health hazards.