People in Thailand's upper parts warned of flash floods, landslides

BANGKOK, August 8 (TNA) - The Ministry of Interior's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned people living in Thailand's northern and upper northeastern regions to brace for widespread downpours, and even heavy rainfalls in some areas, over the next couple of days, with possible flash floods and mudslides in low-lying and hillside areas. The department's director-general Wiboon Sanguanpong has, thus, advised local people in the affected areas, particularly those living along river basins and hillsides, to always have themselves updated with latest weather forecasts and official warnings. Wiboon told reporters Thursday that he has also assigned provincial disaster prevention and mitigation offices in the country's northern and upper northeastern regions to closely monitor updated weather conditions and provide prompt assistance for affected people, suggesting the public to contact its department's call center, 1784, around the clock in case of any emergency. (TNA)