Widespread flooding due to Tropical Storm Nangka causes fatality October 16-18
Category: Natural Disasters
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/18/2020 (Thailand) - Tropical Storm Nangka led to heavy rain and resultant flooding across much of Thailand over the weekend from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported that a total of 25,273 households in 849 villages across 86 districts in 25 provinces have been affected by the flooding, which caused one death and three injuries. The flooding has also damaged farmland, villages, roads, and bridges in low-lying areas. Many people have been evacuated to shelters by authorities, including those in Pak Thong Chai district(Nakhon Ratchasima province) threatened by the water discharge of theLam Phra Phloeng dam. Landslides have been reported in Phuket, Krabi, and Satun provinces.
Although the rain is forecast to ease into next week, isolated thunderstorms and downpours are possible and could cause further flooding. Residual disruptions to transport, businesses, and utilities are expected over the near term.
Context
Storm systems are common during the monsoon season from May to October across the country, except for the southeastern coast, where the wet period runs from October to February. Storms usually approach from the western North Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea and typically weaken as a tropical depression as they reach the country, given its geographical location. In addition, thunderstorms often affect northern Thailand between April and October, and the southern part of the country from March to November. These storm systems have the potential to unleash heavy downpours and powerful winds as well as trigger a major storm surge that all pose considerable hazards to human life and infrastructure.
Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate continuing disruptions, and never drive or walk through flooded streets. Floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products and present residual health hazards.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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