Flash flood advisory issued for parts of Mae Hong Son

People living near natural water ways and mountain bases in five districts of Mae Hong Son province are being advised to brace for flash floods, watercourse overflows and landslides and to move their valuables to high ground.

The advisory was issued through a cell broadcast at 6.45am this morning to people living in Muang, Khun Yuam, Mae La Noi, Mae Sariang and Sob Moei districts.

A similar message was issued three days ago to the people in Khun Yuam, Mae La Noi, Mae Sariang and Sob Moet districts, but damage, estimated at no less than 50 million baht, was unavoidable.

Worasak Panthong, chief officer of Mae Sariang district, said that overflows from the swollen Mae Sariang River had submerged the road in front of Saen Thong Temple and Ban Lum and Ban Thung Prao villages, making it impossible for small vehicles to pass.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast today that 80% of the central region, including Bangkok, will experience rain with isolated heavy rainfall in some areas in the next 24 hours. The southern region will be lashed by very heavy rain in some areas and the Andaman Sea will be rough, with 3m waves.

People living in these areas, particularly in low-lying areas or near mountain bases are advised to take precautions.