Bangkok safe from floods despite heavy rain, says PM

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured the public that Bangkok will remain safe from flooding, noting that the current rainfall levels are significantly lower than those experienced during the devastating floods of 2011.

The Thai premier reviewed the water situation yesterday, October 2, at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. She highlighted that while Thailand was struck by five storms in 2011, only one storm has impacted the country this year.

Rainfall in 2011 was more than 25% above average, whereas this year has seen just a 2% increase in rainfall. Moreover, major dams currently can hold more water, unlike in 2011 when they were already full and had to release excess water.

“For those concerned about potential flooding in Bangkok, there is no need to worry. Bangkok will not be flooded.”

Yesterday, October 2, rainfall in some northern areas caused water to flow from the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan rivers into the Chao Phraya River in Nakhon Sawan. In Chai Nat, the Chao Phraya Dam is releasing water at a rate of 1,899 cubic metres per second as the water level rises.

The Department of Water Resources is closely monitoring the water flow at the measurement station in Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya, to ensure it remains below 3,000 cubic metres per second.

Local officials in the lower Chao Phraya River basin, including Bangkok and nearby provinces, are preparing to handle the incoming water from the north. Measures include draining water through various canals and accelerating pumping operations to the Gulf of Thailand, with a combined capacity of around 164 million cubic metres per day.

Weather forecast

The Meteorological Department predicted that from Monday until Thursday, a moderate cold air mass from China will spread over the north, northeast, and South China Sea. This, combined with a monsoon trough across the lower north, lower northeast, central, and eastern regions, will create unstable weather conditions in upper Thailand. Expect thunderstorms, strong gusts, and heavy rain in some areas, especially in the north, northeast, central, Bangkok and its vicinity, and the eastern region.

Additionally, high tide conditions could affect communities along the mouths of the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and Tha Chin rivers in provinces such as Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan.

Jirayu Houngsub, an adviser to the prime minister and spokesman for the disaster relief operations centre mentioned that the National Water Resources Office (ONWR) expects torrential rains until October 9 to cause water levels in the Kok River, in Chiang Rai, to overflow. This could impact 147 square kilometres across six districts: Mueang, Wiang Chai, Wiang Chiang Rung, Mae Chan, Doi Luang, and Chiang Saen.

Despite the potential for heavy rainfall and rising river levels, the government is confident in its ability to manage the situation and prevent significant flooding in Bangkok and other critical areas, reported Bangkok Post.