Thailand Hit By Typhoon Vamco

PHANGGA (Thailand), Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Tropical storm Vamco slammed into Thailand on Thursday and brought heavy rain and strong winds to several parts of Thailand. The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning that typhoon Vamco was expected to hit with torrential rain and strong winds, several parts of Thailand such as Bangkok, Chonburi and Pattaya as well as the eastern part such as Rayong and Trad from Thursday until Friday. It also affected parts of southern Thailand, namely the provinces of Prachuab Khirikhan, Chumporn, Phangga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, the department said in a statement. Following the storm, big waves as high as two to three metres were expected to occur and fishermen were advised not to go to sea. In Phangga province, strong winds destroyed government officers' houses and a Thai regional radio station. The meteorological office also warned fishing boats not to go to sea on Sept 17 to 18. In Chumporn Province, heavy rain and strong winds also hit popular tourist spots since Wednesday. The swift water flow from the massive rainfall has also caused several landslips in the country. --BERNAMA