Bangkok: Depression is expected to hit Vietnam this evening, affecting 56 provinces in Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning about a tropical depression in the South China Sea that is likely to intensify into a tropical storm. This storm is expected to make landfall in Vietnam this evening, with its outer bands already impacting Thailand. The forecast indicates widespread rain, with a risk of heavy rain affecting 56 provinces from August 30 to September 1.
Mr. Somkuan Tonjan, Director of the Meteorological Department’s Weather Forecast Division, reported that satellite and radar images from the morning of August 30 show the front of the tropical depression beginning to cover northeastern Thailand. Areas such as Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nong Bua Lamphu are experiencing continuous rain, with some areas reporting heavy rainfall.
The storm is moving towards the east coast of Vietnam and is predicted to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall this evening, after which it is expected to weaken. As it moves through Laos into Thailand, it will become a low-pressure area affecting the northeastern region.
The storm’s influence will strengthen the southwest monsoon and combine with a monsoon trough affecting the lower northern, central, and northeastern regions, leading to scattered rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for areas at risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the 56 provinces. Notable areas in the upper northeastern region that need to be vigilant about flooding and inundation due to accumulated rainfall include Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Udon Thani, and Nong Bua Lamphu. In the northern region, Sukhothai and Phitsanulok are advised to be cautious.
Mariners and fishermen are advised to proceed with caution due to strong waves, and small boats are particularly warned against leaving the shore from August 31 to September 3.
Residents in at-risk areas should remain alert for heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides, especially in hillside areas and major river basins. The public is urged to closely monitor announcements from the Meteorological Department to plan their travel and prevent damage.