Thailand Braces as Tropical Storm Wipha Nears

BANGKOK, July 21 (TNA) – Thailand is on high alert for Tropical Storm Wipha, expected to make landfall on northern Vietnam’s coast tomorrow morning, bringing heavy to very heavy rain nationwide.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has activated a 24-hour “War Room” to monitor the storm.

TMD Director-General Sukanyanee Yawinchan stated Wipha, currently a tropical storm will likely cause continuous heavy rainfall, increasing risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and strong winds across Thailand.

Sixty provinces are under alert for severe weather. Marine conditions are hazardous, with waves of 2-4 meters, potentially higher during thunderstorms; small boats are advised to stay ashore from July 21-25.

In Phuket, heavy rain and gusts have damaged homes, toppled billboards, and uprooted trees, including one at Wat Ket Ho that hit a car and injured a cow. Phang Nga also saw fallen trees blocking roads and damaging properties, with some homes losing roof tiles. Local officials are providing immediate assistance.

Nan province, along with Phayao, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son, is expected to be directly affected. Residents are using sandbags for protection. Nan city officials are also urgently repairing a damaged section of the Nan River’s flood barrier to prevent urban flooding.

The Royal Irrigation Department anticipates increased water flow through Nakhon Sawan by July 25, requiring higher water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam. This will cause water levels to rise by 20-80 centimeters in low-lying areas downstream, including parts of Ang Thong and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces. Residents in these areas are urged to monitor the situation closely. – 819 (TNA)