Tropical Storm Noul is gathering strength and could hit the country tomorrow until Sunday, the Agriculture Ministry says.

Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said on Wednesday he has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to prepare for an emergency from the effects of Noul.

The storm strengthened from a tropical depression into a tropical storm on Tuesday. It could become a typhoon, the Meteorological Department said.


The department has also warned people about flash floods and winds which could topple trees and power lines.

As the storm tracked to the west, it has triggered flooding and strong wind alerts in many parts of Southeast Asia. Noul is predicted to make its way westward across the South China Sea throughout the rest of the week.

Vietnam is reportedly considering the evacuation of half a million residents in the country's central coast region ahead of Noul's expected landfall today.

On Wednesday, Mr Chalermchai said heavy rains are expected to hit many areas in the North, Northeast and the East on Saturday.



The Central Plains provinces are expected to bear the brunt of the storm.