Depression Podul causes downpours in several Thai areas

BANGKOK, November 16 (TNA) - Several areas in Thailand’s eastern, lower central and southern regions, including Bangkok, are encountering downpours, with heavy ones in some areas, caused by Depression Podul. According to the Meteorological Department, the tropical depression, downgraded from Typhoon Podul, is now covering the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand. Several areas in the capital faced overnight rain, while heavy downpours were reported on Saturday in, among others, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces, while waves in the Gulf of Thailand were as high as 2-3 metres. Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Weera Sriwattanatrakul warned residents in coastal areas and foothills to brace for heavy downpours with, probably, flash floods and landslides and small boats to temporarily stay ashore and to heed the Meteorological Department's updated weather reports. Ratchaburi Governor Nisit Chansomwong also warned people in all 10 districts in the province, especially Suan Phueng, Baan Kha, Chom Bueng, Pak Tho and Muang, to be prepared for possible flash floods and landslides, caused by impacts from the tropical depression. (TNA)