Flash flood warning issued for 26 provinces due to heavy rain

Residents in 26 provinces have been alerted to the risk of flash floods starting today until May 25 as heavy rainfall is anticipated across various regions, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify efforts to clear the city’s drainage system and install water pumps.

Deputy government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang announced that heavy rain is forecasted for 26 provinces, including 11 in the north, 11 in the south, and four in the central region over the next seven days, potentially resulting in runoff and flash floods.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has mobilised emergency response teams and equipment in flood-prone areas to offer assistance. Residents in these areas are urged to stay informed through weather forecasts and heed the advice of authorities to ensure their safety.

The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s latest forecast predicts an increase in rain and thunderstorms nationwide starting today, due to a shift in wind patterns. A low-pressure ridge forming in the Andaman Sea between May 20 and 26 is expected to bring heavy rainfall, particularly to provinces along the Andaman coast, which could lead to flooding.

Narong Rueangsri, BMA deputy permanent secretary, stated that City Hall has ramped up preparations for the rainy season. Measures include unclogging the city’s drains and canals and monitoring identified flood-prone areas.

A work report from May 14 shows that 62.9% of the city’s drains and canals, spanning 2,664.7 kilometres out of a total of 4,234.7 kilometres, have been cleared. Additionally, 1,120 out of a planned 1,134 water pumps have been installed.

In preparation, all four irrigation tunnels, 241 water gates, and 188 pumping stations have been inspected and cleared, reported Bangkok Post.

The BMA has also pinpointed five major roads with flood-prone sections: Ratchayothin Road, Chaeng Watthana Road, Phaya Thai Road, Sri Ayutthaya Road, and Moo Ban Setthakit Road.

“We ask residents to stay vigilant and follow official updates to minimise risks.”

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that resources are ready to be deployed where needed.