Nan on full alert for arrival of tropical storm Wipha later today

Nan Governor Chainarong Wongyai has ordered officials in 15 districts to prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Wipha, which made landfall in northern Vietnam this morning and is expected to hit Nan province late this afternoon.

Although the fierce storm is weakening, as it moves across Laos toward Nan, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, averaging over 200 mm, for Tha Wang Pha, Bo Kluea, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Pua, Song Khwae, Thung Chang, Muang and Wiang Sa districts, resulting in almost immediate flooding from the Nan River and its tributaries.

People living on both sides of the Nan River have been advised to move their valuables to higher ground, while evacuation shelters have been set up. Emergency units have been put on red alert with their equipment, such as boats, jet skis and drones, standing by.

Sandbags have also been sent to reinforce flood walls along the river.