For the first time in thirty years, Thailand is bracing for the tropical storm that is going to make landfall on coming Friday. The torrential rains and the powerful winds of the storm Pabuk has already disrupted day to day life of the citizens. The government has closed down two major airports. As per the Disaster Management Department, thousands of people are flocking towards inland for shelter.

The weather officials of the country have said the condition will persist till Saturday. As per the reports, the storm is going to hit the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. All 15 southern provinces of the country will be facing heavy downpour and gusty winds. These provinces are the home to the world’s largest rubber plantations. The officials are afraid of the potential damage that the storm might cause to the plantation.

The squally wind is propelling the sea waves to achieve higher heights. The meteorological department of the country has warned that the waves might get as high as 5 meters in the Gulf of Thailand. Andaman sea will be facing relatively lower waves. Due to the turbulent seas, the government has instructed to keep all ships ashore.

The Nakhon Si Thammarat airport has closed down. The Nok Airlines have announced of cancellation of all flights from this region. The Surat Thani Airport will also be shut from Friday to Saturday. The Bangkok airlines have suspended all their flights to Koh Samui. The ferry services of that region have also closed down.

Thailand’s two biggest gas fields have also stopped production. National Energy Company and Production Pcl have said until the disaster passes the production will remain closed.

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Management has said that until now, 6,176 people have been evacuated from Nakhon Si Thammarat to safety. The people are going to high provinces such as Songkhla, Yala, and Pattani.