BANGKOK, 15 October 2013 (NNT) – Authorities reported that flooding still persists in 21 provinces with most parts of the Northeast prone to impacts from Typhoon Nari, which made landfall in Danang, Vietnam, today and has downgraded to a low pressure cell while moving west to northeastern Thailand.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that although the inundation has improved in 22 provinces, 21 others are still faced with flooding. Death toll has risen to 61.
Meanwhile, the director of the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC), Gp.Capt. Somsak Khaosuwan, said a close watch is still paid to Chachoengsao province which, as a downstream area, is absorbing water from Sa Kaeo and Prachinburi provinces. It is expected that the water level in Chachoengsao will remain stable and gradually recede. It may take 1-2 weeks for the situation in Chachoengsao to become normal due to the curvy shape of Bang Pakong River that slows down the flow of water. Additionally, some provinces in the northeastern region i.e. Ubon Ratchathani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, and Amnat Charoen might be affected by the Nari tropical storm.
Besides, high tide is expected during 16-21 October. As there will be no rain in the upcoming week, impacts will not be dramatic. However, it is advisable for people who live outside the irrigation zone to still not putting their belonging back on the ground until the end of 21 October, said the NDWC director.