Thais warned of heavy downpours and floods

Thai officials Thursday issued warnings of heavy rain and floods to residents of the northern and southern provinces, as Typhoon Tembin and other monsoon storms threatened the regions. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said rainfall was likely to be the highest in the north and north-east from Tembin, which was predicted to track west from Taiwan Friday. According to dpa, the department said people living on hillsides and low-lying areas should prepare for possible flash floods. Small boats were also warned to remain in port for the next five days in the Andaman Sea and the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand due to anticipated strong winds and 3-metre-high waves.