Thailand Warns 11 Provinces of Landslide, Flash Flood Risk
Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources has warned 11 provinces—including Prachuap Khiri Khan, Trat, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, Satun, Phatthalung, Pattani, and Narathiwat—of heightened landslide and flash‑flood risk due to persistent heavy rain. The warning follows a continuous heavy rain alert from the Meteorological Department, which notes heavy to very heavy rainfall across the eastern and southern regions. Residents are urged to avoid flood‑prone routes and stay alert for sudden floods and slope failures.
The Department of Mineral Resources warned 11 provinces of heavy rain that could cause landslides and flash floods, after the Meteorological Department issued a continuous heavy rain alert. Dated October 20, 2069, the Geohazards Operations Center of the Department of Mineral Resources, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, urged vigilance for landslide and flash flood events due to ongoing heavy rain in landslide-prone areas and forecasted rainfall that could trigger landslides, especially in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Trat, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, Satun, Phatthalung, Pattani, and Narathiwat.
The Meteorological Department reported that the eastern and southern regions are experiencing continuous rain, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas. It advised the public in those areas to beware of dangers from heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and flash flood flows, particularly on slopes near watercourses and in low‑lying areas. People should avoid traveling through routes with repeated flooding problems, especially low‑lying spots that may become inundated.
This situation is caused by a monsoon trough lying across the Gulf of Thailand and central south, while a high‑pressure system or cold air mass covers upper northern, upper northeastern regions and the South China Sea, resulting in easterly winds over upper Thailand.
The agency also requested that volunteer networks in the at‑risk areas closely monitor and follow the geohazard situation regarding landslides and flash floods, and prepare to respond to any geohazard incidents. If a geohazard event occurs, officials must promptly inspect the site to provide assurance and initial advice to residents in the risk zones.
