Huge wave sweeps away houses in southern Thailand, people evacuated - 25th Dec 2011

Five meter waves hit three sub- districts in Thailand's southern Chumpon province's Langsuan district on Sunday noon, destroying several houses, bungalows and restaurants and forcing local residents to flee their homes.

The seawater also flooded Hua Lame village in Langsuan district with approximate height of 70 centimeter, forcing people to evacuate to a temple seen as a safe shelter.

According to chief of Bangmaprao Tambon Administrative Office, huge waves lashed many villages in three sub-districts slightly before noon. As a result, several bungalows and restaurants were devastated while some people's houses swept away.

Chumpon Meteorological Station director-general Decha Sukgaeo said that the intense high pressure from China has moved to cover the southern region, causing rain storms and high waves in the area during Dec. 25-28. Small fishing trawlers should remain onshore, he warned. Source