BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) — Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered the armed forces to prepare their personnel, equipment, medics and communications to cope with tropical storm Pabuk that will pass the South on Jan 3-5.
Defence spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanit said Gen Prawit made the order as the storm was likely to have widespread impacts on the South.
“People will be evacuated from danger-prone areas to safe ground. Local military units will be deployed to offer immediate help especially in areas facing the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The navy will be ready to help people and tourists along the coastlines. Aircraft will be put on standby to transport necessities to affected areas,” Lt Gen Kongcheep said.
Hua Sai district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province was expected to be heavily hit by the storm. Powerful waves started to hit the shore of the district. It rained slightly and the sky was overcast there. All boats were kept ashore.
Officials set up 190 rescue centers in Nakhon Si Thammarat. They can accommodate 86,000 people. Of the center, 53 centers stand in six coastal districts and can receive 34,400 people. (TNA)
