Thai Interior Minister plays down flood warnings

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today announced another day of heavy downpours, flooding, and traffic chaos throughout the country and told the kingdom to brace itself. The Interior Minister on the other hand played it down and said there was nothing to worry about.

The TMD made known it is 70% likely that the nation will be hit by another deluge and the kingdom would suffer from heavy flooding. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) backed that statement adding there will be floods, and river banks would overflow between September 11 and September 13.

Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda played down concerns of both the TMD and DDPM saying the country is more than capable of coping with more rain.

“Although one or two tropical storms are expected later this year, these dams are still well below their retention capacity.

“Authorities are sticking with the default approach of water management, which was designed to control floods, while at the same time keeping sufficient water in dams and reservoirs for the dry season.”

Despite the Interior Minister’s optimism, the DDPM warned heavy rain is on the way and the areas that will be hit the worst in Northern Thailand would be Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Lampang, Lampoon, Payao, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak and Nakhon Sawan.

Northeast in Loei, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima. Central in Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Banks in danger of overflowing are predicted in a number of areas near the main river and branch river of Kok River, Wang River, Yom River, Nan River, Kwai Noi River, Pasak River, Chao Phraya River, Loei River, Chee River, Mun River, Nakhon Nayok River, Prachinburi River, Bang Pakong River, Rayong River, Chanthaburi River and Trat River.

Large water reservoirs in danger include Maengad Dam, Chiang Mai. Kiw Kho Mha Dam and Mea Mok Dam, Lampang. Bueng Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan. Tub Sea-lae Reservoir, Uthaithani. Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kean. Lam Takong Dam and Mun Bon Dam, Nakhon Ratchasima, Bang Phra Reservoir, Chon Buri. Nong Pla Lai Reservoir, Rayong.

The DDPM has also issued flood warning notices to 23 provinces in the Northern, Northeast, and Central areas.

Thirteen provinces are flooded at present, including Payao, Nan, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lampoon, Phetchabun, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Rayong and Chanthaburi.

In total there is a flooding problem in 31 provinces, 72 districts, 139 subdistricts 487 villages in Thailand.

The TMD reported from tomorrow the northern part of Thailand will be in danger from heavy downpours.

The DDPM warned people to be careful and if anyone needs help they can contact DDPM through Line Account “ปภ.รับแจ้งเหตุ1784” by adding Line ID @1784DDPM or calling the safety hotline 1784 which is available 24/7.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post Thai Enqurier