Typhoon Nari to Hit Thailand Wednesday Prepare for More Flooding

The current projection by the weather forecast agency is that it will enter Thailand over the Northeast sometime on Wednesday as a tropical storm, quickly deteriorating to a depression.

 
CHIANG RAI – Another typhoon is on its way to Thailand, with the effect expected to be felt over Isarn and central Thailand on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Authorities in Thailand said they hoped Typhoon Nari would weaken and not cause much damage in the country’s already inundated northeast region.

Nari, which hit the Philippines Saturday, was expected to move over Vietnam Tuesday and Wednesday, then weaken and light to moderate rainfall in Thailand.

Supoj Tovichakchaikul, secretary-general of the Office of National Water and Flood Management Policy, said that, ideally, the storm would move to the north-northeast, filling the Bhumibol Dam in Tak, which is currently only at 47 percent capacity.

If Nari moves east, the Pasak Jolasid dam, which is currently at 112 percent capacity, risks flooding, Supoj said.

“[Nari] will fill more water but it must go to the north and northeast. Don’t come to the east,” Supoj said.

Three of Thailand’s provinces — Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao — are still flooded from storms on Sept. 17 and 28, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said.

About 3.5 million people have been affected by the floods.