Thai Authorities Raise Flood Alert For Southern Districts Amid Persistent Rain

BANGKOK, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on Thursday warned residents in three districts in Southern Thailand to remain alert amid the risk of flash floods and landslides following heavy rainfall.

In a statement, the DDPM said residents in Songkhla, Hat Yai and Na Mom districts were advised to closely monitor the situation and strictly follow safety measures.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant for flooding and landslides, particularly in areas along canals and waterways, low-lying areas and foothill slopes.

“People should move belongings to higher ground, secure valuables and important documents, be cautious of electrical hazards and ensure the safety of vulnerable groups,” the Department said on Thursday.

The DDPM said it had coordinated with mobile network operators to issue warning messages via the Cell Broadcast system to alert residents in the affected districts of the heavy rainfall.

Earlier, Hat Yai Municipality also issued a “Yellow Flag” flood alert for residents within the Hat Yai municipal area.

The municipality reported that continuous heavy rainfall from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon had resulted in accumulated rainfall of 140 millimetres, raising water levels in several canals.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, when contacted, advised Malaysians currently in southern Thailand to remain cautious, closely monitor weather conditions and follow announcements and guidance issued by local authorities.

The southern region, is one of the most popular tourist destination for Malaysians, with more than 3.5 million Malaysian visitors recorded last year. 

Last month, severe flooding in southern Thailand had claimed more than 145 lives and affected approximately 3.54 million people.