Bangkok Post quoted information from the Thai Meteorological Department as saying that storm No. 4 Soulik weakened into a low pressure area on the evening of September 19 in the Central Laos region after passing through Central Vietnam, but is expected to cause heavy rain across Thailand until September 23.
According to the latest storm news, at 7:00 p.m. on September 19, the center of the low pressure area was at about 16.9 degrees north latitude; 106.2 degrees east longitude. The strongest wind in the center of the low pressure area drops below level 6 (under 39 km/h). It is forecasted that in the next 12 hours, the low pressure area will continue to move mainly westward, weakening and gradually dissipating.
The Thai Meteorological Department recommends that in all cases, Thai people should prepare for heavy rains and strong winds in the northern, northeastern, central and southern regions. People in these areas have been warned of the possibility of flash floods and major flooding.
Ships are advised to stay ashore along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand until September 22 due to heavy rain and high waves.
Thailand has also experienced severe flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi, affecting 9 provinces, killing at least 19 people and injuring many others. The Ministry of Health is mobilizing medical supplies and medical staff to support affected people.
According to The Thaiger, the disaster that occurred from September 8 to September 18 created a dangerous situation that required a coordinated response from many government agencies. Inspector General of the Ministry of Health Veerawut Imsamran emphasized that the current flood and landslide situation is a top priority, requiring joint efforts from all state agencies to support and help people.
Since September 8, nine provinces in Thailand have been hit by flooding, including Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Loei, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Phuket, Satun and Trang, with a total of 462 people injured and 19 deaths. The causes of death included landslides, drowning and being swept away by floodwaters.
Provinces where the situation is improving, such as Chiang Rai, are advised to monitor diseases transmitted through water and instruct the public on safe water use.
The provinces are still suffering from natural disasters that need to ensure welfare for people and shelters, and establish disease prevention systems at shelters.
Provinces at risk of flooding in the future, such as provinces in the Mekong Delta and areas affected by the tropical depression, should closely monitor the situation, assess risks to health services, identify vulnerable groups, plan evacuations and ensure adequate medical supplies.
