Officials were put on high alert during a video conference meeting of the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (CDPMC) in Bangkok yesterday (July 11), chaired by Chaiwat Chuntirapong, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Joining the meeting in Phuket were Phuket Vice Governor Phuket Sattha Thongkham and Rear Admiral Tinkorn Kanjantamiy, Deputy Director of the Phuket branch of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), which serves as the political arm of the Thai military; and Sophon Thongsai, Head of DDPM Phuket.
WARNING
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) had issued an advisory of “Heavy to Very Heavy Rain in Thailand and Strong Waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand”, the meetign was told.
“During July 14-17, a strong monsoon trough will lie across the northern and eastern regions of Thailand. This is due to a strong low-pressure area in the central China Sea. Additionally, the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify,” the warning said.
“This will result in increased rainfall across Thailand, with heavy rain in many areas and very heavy rain in some places. People in these regions are advised to be cautious of the dangers posed by heavy and very heavy rain, as well as accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and sudden flooding. This is especially important for those in mountainous areas near waterways and low-lying areas. Increased caution is also advised when traveling through areas with thunderstorms,” the warning added.
In the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, waves will be quite strong, reaching up to three metres high. In areas with thunderstorms, waves may exceed three metres.
In the lower Andaman Sea and the lower Gulf of Thailand, waves will be about two metres high, and over 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
Boat operators are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms.
Small boats in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand should refrain from leaving shore from July 14-17, the warning said.
MEASURES
Phuket City Municipality has already been taking steps to help prevent any flooding, with workers deploying pumps at strategic locations through Phuket Town, the Bang Yai Canal under constant monitoring and emergency services already put on standby.
Meanwhile, emergency response teams and local authorities across the island have been issued the following directives:
- Preparation: Monitoring weather conditions, creating flood response plans, inspecting the stability of water storage/containment facilities, drainage, expanding water retention areas, and issuing warnings.
- Response: When floods, storms, or landslides occur or are expected:
- Establish provincial, district, and local government emergency operations centers.
- In case of heavy rainfall, assign administrative officers, village headmen, volunteers, and community volunteers to monitor key areas, economic zones, and important locations.
- Deploy operational units to assist affected residents continuously.
- Report the flood, storm, and landslide situations and their impacts to the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command to assess the situation and provide recommendations to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commander for policy decisions.
- Continuously monitor and coordinate with local government orgaqnisations to issue warnings to at-risk areas. Citizens should stay updated with weather forecasts and official information, especially those in vulnerable areas, and prepare for potential emergencies.
If assistance is needed, they can report incidents and request help via the "1784 DDPM Incident Report" Line and the 1784 safety hotline, available 24/7.