Bangkok (dpa) – in the face of possibly the worst tropical storm in decades, tens of thousands of people have left in the South of Thailand, their homes and sought protection.

The inhabitants on the coast of the province of Nakorn Si Thammarat in the storm “Pabuk” in the 3. January on the country hit, would be brought to safety, informed the Ministry of emergency situations of the country. In the coming days the storm will also meet the with tourists popular holiday destinations, Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi, it said.

“Pabuk” was moved, therefore, with a speed of 65 kilometers per hour through the southern Gulf of Thailand to the mainland. The meteorological authority warned, “Pabuk” could similarly be destructive killed as tropical storm “Harriet” in 1962, nearly a thousand people in the country.

Up to Saturday’s heavy rains were for the majority of the South announced. Boats were not allowed to expire. Also Swimming in the sea is forbidden, the authorities in the face of strong winds, which could cause waves of up to five meters in height.

Private photos on social networks showed heavy rains and strong waves in the Region. Reports of first damage or injured was not yet available.

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