BANGKOK – Thailand is bracing for heavy rainfall and possible flash floods as typhoon Noru moves westward at a speed of about 35km per hour and makes landfall in central Vietnam tomorrow.
Thailand Meteorological Department said the typhoon with sustained winds of about 150km per hour is expected to weaken into a tropical storm and hit many parts of the kingdom after it moves into the middle of Thai northeast tomorrow.
The department said the tropical storm and strengthening southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand and the Gulf will bring heavy rainfall in the north, northeast, central including Bangkok and its vicinity, east and south regions from tomorrow to Saturday.
It said all those regions will also likely experience gusty winds in some locations.
“People should beware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows, especially along the waterways near foothills and lowlands. Residents along the seashore should beware of inshore surges,” it said in a statement.
The Meteorological Department advised all ships stay ashore starting today till Saturday.
“Strong wind forces the waves in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf 2 to 3m high and more than 3m high in thundershowers. The waves in the lower Gulf are about 2m high and in thundershowers more than 2m high,” it said.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is taking precautionary measures including draining water out of canals as well as procuring 2.5 million sandbags to reinforce flood walls to brace for possible floods.
Media reported that five rescue workers in the Philippines were killed after Typhoon Noru slammed into the country’s north, causing floods and leaving millions without electricity. – Bernama, September 27, 2022
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