A storm has been hovering over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, causing heavy downpours with the risk of floods and landslides in some areas.
The Meteorological Department yesterday warned people living near waterways in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong and Phang Nga to brace for possible flash floods.
A meteorologist based in the Northeast, Kriangsak Ketin, said the flood risk also existed in Chaiyaphum, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom.
"Please keep abreast of weather forecasts," he said, adding that landslides could also develop in these risky areas.
Preecha Ditacharoen, acting chief of disaster prevention and mitigation for Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham and Roi Et, said an emergencyresponse team was ready around the clock should floods hit an area under his jurisdiction.
"We have six pumps, 36 boats, and three backhoes," he said.
In Chiang Mai's Chiang Dao district, locals and livestock were evacuated yesterday in time to avoid flooding.
In Lamphun, a locomotive derailed amid heavy rain at about 8.45am yesterday. There was no report of deaths or casualties.
The accident took place between Ta Chomphu train station in Mae Thai district, Lamphun, and Khun Tan station in Lampang.
Chiang Mai train station chief Sinrat Deevajee said passengers from the derailed trains had been transferred to Chiang Mai. Cars were sent to pick up stranded passengers from other trains, which had to stop because the track was blocked by the derailed locomotive.
Passengers with a Chiang MaiBangkok train ticket who were initially scheduled to leave the northern city at 2.50pm yesterday were advised to seek a refund.
Officials were busy trying to clear the track for the resumption of train services.