Chao Phraya Dam surge floods Ayutthaya and displaces thousands
Officials race to protect villages and landmarks as waters rise
Heavy water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam has triggered flooding across Ayutthaya, affecting thousands of households and prompting urgent safety warnings.
Floodwaters have swept through large parts of Ayutthaya after water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam was increased by 2,000 to 2,500 cubic metres per second. The National Water Resources Committee approved the release to handle surging inflows from recent heavy rain, but the measure has left more than 25,000 households underwater.
Six districts have been badly affected: Phak Hai, Bang Ban, Sena, Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Bang Pa-In. Reporters in Hua Wiang subdistrict, Sena, found Wat Bandai Chang temple partially flooded, with water around the ordination hall reaching 70 centimetres. Though the temple’s principal Buddha image remained safe, a nearby meditation centre was almost completely submerged.
Locals along the Noi River have been forced to rely on boats for transport as water levels climbed dangerously close to the beams of Hua Siang Bridge. In Bang Ban and Phak Hai, floodwaters have engulfed low-lying farmland, with residents struggling to safeguard their homes.
The irrigation department has opened multiple floodgates to ease pressure on the river system. At the Tanueang Canal, the gate has been raised 15 centimetres, while the Wat Bai Bua floodgate is open at 10 centimetres. In Bang Ban-Ban Pan fields, water is being gradually channelled through culverts at Bang Chanee, Gob Chao, and Nam Tao, ranging from 80 centimetres to 1 metre, to manage the overflow without devastating nearby roads and communities.
Chetha Mosikarat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, inspected the area today, September 16, confirming that the floods had affected 87 subdistricts in 550 villages, displacing 25,024 households and causing one death.
Despite the widespread damage, key historical landmarks such as Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Kasattrathirat remain safe behind flood barriers erected by the Department of Fine Arts. Industrial estates in the province are also secure, protected by reinforced floodgates and robust water management systems, according to KhaoSod.
Officials warn of rising water levels in areas outside the flood barriers, urging residents in low-lying communities to remain on high alert. Relief efforts are underway, with emergency teams deployed to assist those most affected by the deluge.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
