Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Tropical storm “Pabuk”, Thailand’s first storm over three decades, packed winds up to 80 kph (950 mph), and is now expected to make a landfall on Friday’s evening, leading tens of thousands citizens flocking to shelter and shutting down two of largest airports.

According to news reports, the wind has churned up high waves and blow off in the Gulf, before heading towards the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The weather officials have warned Thailand of torrential downpours and of strong winds in south Thailand’s 15 provinces, which has been a home of world’s largest natural rubber plantations.

Two major airports – Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Samui, were closed until Saturday, leaving thousands of travelers remain on island, cutting them off the mainland.

The Thai Meteorological Department said: “The strong winds are forecast with waves up to 3 to 5 meters high in the Gulf and 2 to 3 meters high in the Andaman Sea. All ships (should) keep ashore.” The condition is expected to persist into next day (Saturday).

On Friday morning, the Meteorological Department said waves are expected to go up to 10-16 feet high in the Gulf of Thailand over the east coast, and about 6-10 feet high in the Andaman Sea over the west coast.

Pabuk storm is forecast to pass over narrow land between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, which considered as a home to thousands of tourist resort of Phuket and Similan National Park. The storm is forecast to pass through Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The Meteorological Department warned about “inshore surges” to the coastal communities, with heavy rains lashing the entire south, as winds rushes the sea.

According to reports, more than 6,176 people were evacuated to shelters, over the past few days, from Nakhon Si Thammarat including provinces of Yala, Pattani and Songkhla.

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