Thailand: Gradual return to normal in the south following passage of Cyclone Pabuk

Event

Seven provinces in the lower South have suffered deadly destructive winds and severe floods following the passage of the tropical storm Pabuk, which made landfall around 12:00 (local time) on Friday, January 4, in the southern province of Surat Thani. The provinces of Surat Thani, along with Nakhon Si Thammarat (notably the six seaside districts of Pak Phanang, Muang, Hua Sai, Khanom, Sichon and Tha Sal), Pattani, Songkhla, Yala, Phatthalung, and Narathiwat were particularly affected by the storm. In these various provinces, the local population, members of technical services, as well as local authorities are currently working to rehabilitate infrastructural damages caused by the storm, including roads, bridges, electricity, and housings. Further transportation disruptions are possible over the coming days.

Context

Tropical Storm Pabuk, also known as Usman, passed through the Philippines last week, leaving at least 122 people dead. Pabuk is the second tropical storm to hit Thailand since 1989. At least two people were killed, another person is missing, and at least 6,000 residents in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala provinces have been evacuated to higher ground.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and associated disruptions (e.g. road closures, port and airport closures). Remember that walking or driving through moving water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater can contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.