INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightEPAImage caption
Tens of thousands have been asked to evacuate from seaside towns and villages
Tropical storm Pabuk has begun pelting southern Thailand with rain and wind, in what is expected to be the worst storm to hit the
region in 30 years.The storm made landfall at 12:45 local time (05:45 GMT) in the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the meteorological
department said.It is expected to move across southern Thailand, hitting popular tourist spots.Thousands of people have left Koh Samui, Koh
Tao and Koh Phangan islands.Tourists stranded on Koh Samui have told the TheIndianSubcontinent the island is seeing heavy rain, wind and
waves and there have been short power outages.People also say they have been advised to stay indoors after 16:00 local time until Saturday
morning.While storms are common in the Gulf of Thailand at this time of year, Pabuk is thought to be the worst in decades to hit during the
In the past, tropical storms have killed hundreds of people but authorities say they are well prepared and able to cope with the expected
storm surges of up to five meters.The last big storm, Typhoon Gay, struck in 1989 killing more than 800 people
Thailand's meteorological department said the storm would affect the south of the country for the next few days and that "widespread
rainfall, and torrential downpours are possible [in] much of the area"."People should beware of the severe conditions that cause forest
runoffs and flash floods," the authority warned.The storm will likely weaken as it crosses over from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman
Sea, but tourists there are also being warned to be prepared for heavy rain, rough seas and landslides.Image copyrightReutersImage caption
Authorities say they are well prepared for the tropical storm
Are you in an area affected by storm Pabuk
If it is safe to do so, please email haveyoursay@TheIndianSubcontinent.co.ukPlease include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a
TheIndianSubcontinent journalist
You can also contact us in the following ways:WhatsApp: +44 7555 173285Tweet: @TheIndianSubcontinent_HaveYourSaySend pictures/video to
yourpics@TheIndianSubcontinent.co.ukUpload your pictures / video hereText an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100Please read our terms
conditions and privacy policy
