Torrential rains sweep through Thailand as Tropical Storm Wipha strengthens
Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Sweep Across Thailand
Thailand is currently experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall and associated flood risks, as Tropical Storm Wipha indirectly impacts the country by enhancing the southwest monsoon. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide weather advisory, valid from 6am Monday, July 20, to 6am Tuesday, July 21.
In the Southern Region, both the East and West Coasts are bracing for strong winds and high waves. On the East Coast, from Surat Thani northward, winds are expected to be 20-40 km/h, with waves reaching up to 2m, and exceeding 3m offshore during storms. Southward from Nakhon Si Thammarat, winds are slightly stronger at 20-35 km/h, with waves 1-2m, and exceeding 2m offshore during storms.
The upper Andaman Sea is experiencing particularly harsh conditions, with waves forecast to reach 2-4 metres, and potentially exceed 4 metres during thunderstorms. Small boats in these regions are advised to remain ashore until conditions improve.
Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in southern Guangdong province, China, on Sunday evening and is expected to move into the Gulf of Tonkin before making landfall in northern Vietnam between July 21 and 22.
In the Central Region, 70% of the region will be covered by thunderstorms, with heavy rain expected in provinces including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon.
The Eastern Region is forecast to receive very heavy rain, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. In the Southern Region (West Coast), thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with very heavy rain likely in Ranong and Phang Nga.
Provinces like Chiang Mai have been on alert for flash floods and landslides, with local authorities taking flood mitigation steps in vulnerable zones. Intense rainfall is also forecast for Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Ranong.
Authorities are urging fishermen and boat operators in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf to proceed with caution and avoid navigating through thunderstorm zones. Residents in these areas are advised to be alert for flash floods and runoff, especially in foothill zones, near waterways, and low-lying areas.
The ongoing weather situation includes strong winds and severe convective storms in some areas, increasing the risk of secondary disasters such as urban flooding and infrastructure damage. The Thai Meteorological Department continues to issue weather advisories for the nation, with the current advisory valid from 6am Monday, July 20, to 6am Tuesday, July 21.
Despite the unfavorable politics surrounding disaster preparedness, it's crucial for the Thai government to allocate resources effectively to manage the ongoing weather crisis, given the threatening weather-forecasting predictions. Furthermore, in light of the country's political landscape, it would be beneficial to collaborate with international institutions in weather-forecasting and disaster management to mitigate the hardships caused by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
