Ayutthaya residents warned of flash floods amid rising water levels

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) alerted residents in parts of Ayutthaya to prepare for flash floods due to a continued surge in the Chao Phraya River. Monitoring is ongoing at two primary water stations, and the warning comes as water levels rise significantly.

Residents near Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong, as well as those living along the banks of Khlong Bang Ban in Bang Ban district and adjacent areas of Phak Hai district in Ayutthaya, have been specifically advised to stay vigilant. These areas, located in low-lying plains, are being closely watched by local officials.

Ayutthaya Station, a local Facebook page, criticised the government for its inadequate handling of compensation for residents already affected by the rising water levels.

The RID reported an increase in the water discharge rate at the Chao Phraya barrage dam in Chai Nat. The current rate stands between 1,400 and 1,500 cubic metres per second, up from last week’s rate of 900 to 1,400 cubic metres per second.

The water flow at the C13 Station, near the Chao Phraya barrage, was recorded at 1,498 cubic metres per second. Additionally, water passing through the C2 water station in the Mueang district of Nakhon Sawan, upstream from the Chao Phraya barrage, rose to 1,529 cubic metres per second yesterday.

Surasee Kittimonthon, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), indicated that widespread rainfall might increase the water discharge rate at the C2 station to 2,500 cubic metres per second and at C13 to 2,000 cubic metres per second in the coming days.

“Major dams such as the Bhumibol in Tak, Sirikit in Uttaradit, and Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan in Phitsanulok still have sufficient capacity to hold more water. Water catchment areas are also being opened to divert excess water.”

People living in areas affected by the swelling Chao Phraya River, including Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi, have been advised to remain alert to the risk of flash floods.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, Tropical Storm Yagi is expected to bring more rain to the North and upper Northeast from tomorrow through the next five days, reported Bangkok Post.