Southern region braces for heavy rains this week

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BANGKOK, Nov 21 — Thailand’s southern provinces have been warned to brace for possible flash flooding and mudslides after three days of heavy rain in the region.   

Following three days of heavy rain in Narathiwat, Governor Nattapong Sirichana ordered 13 district chiefs on high alert for flash flooding and mudslides, especially in Sukhirin and Chanae district, for a timely and effective evacuation.

The Narathiwat governor said water level in the province’s major rivers has risen and could overflow into residential areas if the heavy rain continues.

In Trang province, provincial disaster response chief Amnuay Chatarat said the water level in many of Trang’s canals has started to rise due to continuous downpours since yesterday morning, flooding many rubber and palm oil plantations.

Disaster chief Amnuay said the Meteorological Department said the active low pressure ridge covering the east coast of Malaysia has extended to Thailand’s lower South. Isolated heavy to very heavy rains are expected in many areas from today through Saturday.

Residents of six disaster-prone districts in Trang have been instructed to move their belongings to higher ground and avoid visiting natural waterfalls and beaches throughout the week. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats should keep ashore.