BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand faces another period of heavy rain from October 13 to 16, particularly in western areas, while authorities are adjusting water releases from major dams to reduce flooding downstream.
The Joint Flood Situation Information Center said rainfall is expected to decrease overall this week, but heavy downpours remain possible. Areas requiring close monitoring include Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi in the western part of the Central Region. Bangkok may experience periods of heavy rain from late afternoon into the evening, while parts of the South are expected to see heavy rain during much of the forecast period.
The Royal Irrigation Department has revised water management plans across several river basins. Discharges from the Chao Phraya Dam have been reduced to 1,900 cubic metres per second to ease the impact on downstream communities from Chainat to Samut Prakan.
At Kaeng Krachan Dam in Phetchaburi, water levels have reached 102% of capacity. Authorities have reduced releases in an effort to limit flooding in Phetchaburi town. The Bang Pakong River basin is also facing difficulties because high tides are slowing the discharge of water into the sea. The Royal Thai Navy has deployed boats to help push water downstream and improve drainage. Authorities continue to monitor rainfall, river levels and tidal conditions as they work to reduce the risk of further flooding.
