BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has warned residents in eastern districts to remain prepared for possible flooding as heavy rain is forecast from October 10–13, while 11 major dams across Thailand have reached more than 90% of their storage capacity. Chadchart said the capital’s overall flood situation remains precarious, particularly in Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi and Lat Phrao, where accumulated water and additional inflows from Chachoengsao province are slowing drainage through Prawet Burirom Canal.
Although Bangkok’s drainage system can generally handle rainfall of around 60–70 millimetres, high canal water levels mean flooding could develop more quickly if heavy rain occurs. The governor urged residents in vulnerable areas not to move belongings down from higher ground yet.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is lowering water levels in canals and retention areas, repairing pumps and moving additional pumping equipment to vulnerable locations ahead of the forecast rain.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces were expected to experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms covering around 30% of the area on October 10. Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department and the Office of the National Water Resources reported that 11 major dams had water levels exceeding 90% of capacity, raising concerns about water management and downstream flooding.
Three dams had already exceeded their stated storage capacity:
- Nong Pla Lai Dam, Rayong: 105%
- Pa Sak Jolasid Dam: 102%
- Kaeng Krachan Dam, Phetchaburi: 102%
Other reservoirs reporting high levels included Mae Ngat Dam at 95%, Kiew Lom Dam at 91% and Kiew Kho Ma Dam at 98% in the North; Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani at 93%; Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam at 96%; Vajiralongkorn Dam at 98% and Srinagarind Dam at 97% in Kanchanaburi; and Naruebodindrachinta Dam at 98% and Prasae Dam at 93% in the East. Authorities urged people living downstream of dams and along riverbanks to monitor water levels closely and prepare for possible overflowing rivers. (TNA)
