Thailand's Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, acting chief of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, warned on 20/7 that Typhoon Wipha could bring heavy rain to the north and northeast on 22/7 and 23/7, causing the Mekong River to rise.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director-General Passakorn Boonyalak said officials have established a national "war room" involving multiple agencies, including the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), to assess and respond to Wipha's impact.
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Typhoon Wipha brings heavy rain to Quezon, Philippines. Photo: Xinhua |
The TMD said heavy rain is expected in Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, and Phangnga provinces, as well as parts of central and northeastern Thailand.
Minister Phumtham instructed provincial governors to inspect and reinforce levees, ensure clear drainage, and adjust reservoir levels, especially in areas with over 90 mm of rainfall and those prone to flooding or poor drainage.
Residents near slopes, rivers, streams, and low-lying areas are advised to be wary of flash floods. Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams, equipment, and communication systems. Residents will be warned and evacuated to higher ground if necessary.
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Projected path and area of influence of Typhoon Wipha. Photo: Disaster Monitoring System |
On the afternoon of 20/7, Typhoon Wipha swept through southern China with maximum sustained winds near 108 km/h. Hong Kong and Macau reported some damage, and Hainan and Guangdong provinces issued typhoon warnings.
By 7 p.m. on 21/7, the typhoon is forecast to be north of the Gulf of Tonkin, with winds reaching levels 11-12, gusting to level 15, and moving west-southwest at 20-25 km/h. By 7 p.m. on 22/7, it's expected to be at levels 9-10, gusting to level 12, over the coastal areas from Hai Phong to Thanh Hoa, before making landfall and weakening into a tropical depression.
Duc Trung (Bangkok Post, Nation Thailand)
