As the North is predicted to experience more aftershocks, coupled with heavy rains, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has urged eight provinces in the region to watch out for possible landslides.

DDPM Director-General Chatchai Promlert reported that thunderstorms and heavy downpours were in the forecast for many areas of the northern region during this period. He said the wet condition would soften the soil and bring about risks of landslides, especially when the region was undergoing a series of aftershocks following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Monday.

Based on the assessment, Mr Chatchai indicated that landslides were likely to occur in eight provinces, namely Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan. Therefore, the DDPM has instructed its office in each province to be on a lookout for such disasters.

In addition, the department is coordinating with relevant agencies to inspect the conditions of roads, reservoirs, historical sites and natural tourist attractions throughout the quake-prone region in a bid to ensure their integrity in case of more tremors. If their conditions are found to be unsafe, people will be informed to avoid being in their vicinity while repair efforts will be launched promptly.