Flood warning as storm Noru nears Thailand

Meanwhile, Thai officials issued warnings on Wednesday for heavy rain and flooding brought by the approaching a tropical storm Noru, which is expected to reach northeastern Thailand Thursday.

The Meteorological Department said the storm that made landfall in Vietnam is moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour headed to Laos and Thailand, with maximum winds of 150 kilometers per hour.Rain was already falling in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, one of the areas expected to be worst hit, since early Wednesday.Authorities have urged residents along the Moon River to move to higher ground as water is expected to overflow the river's banks.Many move to temporary shelters set up in front of the city hall and park their vehicles on highways.