BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has instructed authorities in 70 provinces and Bangkok to monitor flash floods, forest runoff, landslides, and urban flooding from September 24 to 27 due to forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated that impacts are expected to begin in the lower Northeast and eastern Thailand before spreading to other regions. Residents are advised to monitor weather forecasts, official warnings, and local water conditions.
Surveillance covers all provinces in the North, Northeast, and Central regions, as well as the southern provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Narathiwat. Authorities are also monitoring major rivers and tributaries at risk of rapid water level increases, including those in Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Ranong, and Narathiwat.
The spokesperson noted that areas downstream of Chao Phraya Dam are under special surveillance. Water flow through the dam is expected to reach about 1,500 cubic meters per second, which may raise downstream levels by 0.75 to 1.25 meters and impact low-lying areas in Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has deployed emergency response teams, personnel, and disaster-relief equipment to high-risk areas for immediate action. Authorities have also been instructed to expedite drainage in frequently flooded and currently affected areas. (NNT)
