Downpours make waves in Chao Phraya River Basin, locals braced

Residents across Thailand are bracing for potential chaos as heavy downpours drench the upper Chao Phraya River Basin. With torrents hitting the Yom and Nan Rivers, water levels are rising fast, threatening to inundate areas downstream.

The Royal Irrigation Department’s Smart Water Operation Centre (SWOC) today, October 7, revealed it’s all hands on deck, striving to control the escalating situation.

In a desperate bid to fend off catastrophe, local officials are frantically funnelling excess water into reservoirs in the upper regions and natural retention areas down south. At the crack of dawn this morning, water at Station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan province surged to a whopping 2,383 cubic metres per second, with no signs of abating. This deluge is poised to combine with the Sakae Krang River’s flow, racing towards the Chao Phraya Dam.

Water bosses are keeping a tight rein on the outflow at Chai Nat’s Chao Phraya Dam, determined not to let it exceed 2,400 cubic metres per second. Folks in low-lying spots outside flood barriers in Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat are being urged to stay alert and track rising water levels.

Meanwhile, at Bang Sai Station in Ayutthaya, flows are at 1,865 cubic metres per second. While Bangkok remains out of immediate danger, riverside residents and low-lying communities are being warned of potential trouble as high tides loom, reported Pattaya News.

Thai government officials are pulling out all the stops to stave off devastation, draining canals and teaming up with local governments to keep levels in check. The aim? Minimising disruption for communities and protecting vital economic zones, said a Royal Irrigation Department spokesperson.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to manage this crisis and avert flooding.”

Worried residents are urged to contact their local irrigation office or dial the Royal Irrigation Department’s emergency hotline at 1460 for help.