Thailand Braces For Tropical Storm Wipha, School Closures Expected

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, July 23 (Bernama) -- Thailand is preparing for Tropical Storm Wipha, which is forecast to track along the monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand in the coming days.

Deputy Spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Anukool Pruksanusak said the public has been urged to brace for potential disruptions due to the severe weather.  This includes the potential immediate closure of schools located in the storm’s projected path.

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"The government would like to emphasise the safety of the public. Please be prepared to handle the situation, pay attention to warnings, and follow the guidance of government agencies to minimise the impact and prevent potential losses," he said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government’s website on Wednesday.

He said the Agriculture Ministry has been instructed to minimise the impact on the agricultural sector.

Anukool added that the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for Tropical Storm Wipha, which is expected to weaken into a tropical depression and later into a low-pressure system.

He stressed that the storm would bring heavy rainfall to many parts of Thailand, particularly the north, upper northeast, western areas of the central region, and the east, with rain forecast to continue until July 24.

"The government urges people in the affected areas to be cautious of the risks posed by heavy to very heavy rainfall and the accumulation of rain, which may result in flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill regions, areas near waterways, and low-lying zones," he said.

As of Tuesday, it was reported that Tropical Storm Wipha had caused torrential rain and flooding in the Philippines, resulting in five fatalities and the displacement of thousands.

Since July 20, heavy rainfall linked to the southwest monsoon has severely affected parts of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, including Metro Manila.

It was also reported in Vietnam that the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the northern region. Local authorities have issued warnings for flash floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.

-- BERNAMA