Bangkok: The Department of Mineral Resources has issued a warning for potential landslides across 21 provinces due to the effects of Tropical Storm “Wipha”. Despite the storm’s weakening into a low-pressure system, the monsoon trough continues to bring heavy rain to numerous areas in the North and West.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichit Sombatmak, Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, announced that the Geological Disaster Operations Center will remain operational around the clock until July 25, 2025, or until the situation improves. The center aims to assess risks, analyze data, and deliver accurate warnings to those in high-risk areas.
Analysis of accumulated rainfall data, in conjunction with a disaster model, has identified landslide risks in the following provinces:
– North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Lampang, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun
– Northeast: Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai
– East: Chanthaburi, Trat
– West: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi
– Southern West: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket
Among these, six provinces-Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, and Kanchanaburi-are under special surveillance due to steep mountainous terrains and sustained rainfall, which increases the risk of soil and rock collapses.
Meteorological Department data shows that Nan and Phayao provinces have recorded nearly 300 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with the highest accumulations in specific areas such as the Left Bank Upstream Management Unit in Nan Province and Ban Nam Lao Sub-district in Phayao Province.
The Department of Mineral Resources has communicated risk area information to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and other relevant agencies. Warnings have been broadcasted to the public via the Cell Broadcast system, urging vigilance in monitoring landslide-prone areas.
Mr. Sombatmak advised residents in hilly regions and near water sources to remain alert for signs of danger, including continuous heavy rain, changes in stream color, unusual mountain sounds, or sudden water level increases, and prepare for immediate evacuation if necessary.