Severe tropical storm moving in as Phuket remains flooded

HOT on the heels of tropical storm Sonca is a new one heading this way with this being severe tropical storm Nesat that is likely to intensify into a typhoon but the cold air mass from China currently covering upper Thailand and South China Sea will cause it weaken rapidly, the Thai Meteorological Department said this afternoon (Oct. 16).

Nesat is currently centred in the upper South China Sea with maximum sustained winds near the centre at about 100 kilometres per hour. It is moving westwards at a speed of 20 kilometres an hour.

This weather phenomenon is occurring as Phuket continues to suffer from heavy flash floods with the floodwater in the Old Town still 30 centimetres high this afternoon.

The South faces more heavy to very heavy rain during Oct.17-21 as southwesterly winds prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the region will intensify.

Winds will be stronger and waves higher in the Andaman Sea reaching a height of two to three metres and in a thunderstorm higher than three metres. In the Gulf of Thailand these waves will be one to two metres high offshore but soaring higher than two metres in a thunderstorm.

People in the South should beware of heavy to heavy rain leading to flash floods. Strong winds could hit the southwest coast.

Sailors should be wary of maritime hazards and avoid setting out in thunderstorms while small boats should not sail in the Andaman Sea during Oct. 17-21.

Phuket’s Old Town where there are Sino-Portuguese buildings was still flooded as of 4.30 p.m. today with Thalang road remaining closed as the floodwater remained 30 centimetres high, Naewna newspaper said.

However overall the floodwater on the island province had started to drop continuously because the tide is not high but some low-lying zones and catchment areas remain heavily inundated but less so than this morning.

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew ordered relevant agencies to set up kitchens and distribute food to flood victims in many areas including the Governor’s Mansion and the Community Hall.

Some Phuket residents said this is the first time in 50 years that they have seen this severe flash flood.

CAPTION:

Small boats and inflatable dinghies used to get around in Phuket today. Photos: Naewna