The Meteorological Department of Thailand has warned people in the North, Northeast and East to make preparation for heavy rains and floods caused by a tropical storm, local press reported Monday.

The storm after ravaging northwest Vietnam on Sunday proceeded to rip through 16 provinces in the North and Northeast, many of which were struck by howling wind and pelting rain over the weekend.

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of potential flash floods in some 20 provinces including Bangkok, reported The Nation newspaper.

The Interior Ministry said 16 provinces were at high risk of floods and landslides. Deputy Minister Sermsak Pongpanit ordered governors in these provinces to be ready for evacuation of residents in dangerous area.

Besides, various landing craft were placed on alert in many provinces to assist in evacuation in need.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin said about 1.7 million sandbags have been stockpiled and would be deployed when needed.

There are also reports of heavy rains and floods in the South including Phuket, Phang Nga and Satun.

Source: Xinhua