Severe flooding in Samut Prakan as seawater rises unexpectedly

Rising seawater has inundated several areas in Samut Prakan, causing severe flooding on numerous roads, with some areas submerged nearly a metre deep and extending over 3 kilometres. Residents were caught off guard, scrambling to move their belongings to safety as the tides rose unexpectedly fast.

Floodwaters swept across Samut Prakan, particularly affecting the Phra Samut Chedi district. Roads such as Suksawat-Pom Phra Chul and Pracha Samakkhi-Pracha Uthit 90 were heavily impacted. Water levels reached between 50 to 80 centimetres, complicating traffic and delaying commuters heading to work or school.

The two-lane Suksawat-Pom Phra Chul road was particularly hard hit, with flooding extending for more than 3 kilometres from the Phra Samut Chedi intersection to the entrance of Piya Pattana village, where water levels reached 80 to 90 centimetres.

Drivers were forced to navigate with extreme caution, and some vehicles had to turn back to avoid water damage.

Motorcyclists faced even greater challenges, with some navigating through the water with difficulty. Several motorbikes stalled mid-road, forcing their riders to push them through the water, while others were abandoned at the roadside, with their riders hitching rides from colleagues or passing vehicles with higher clearance.

Large military and local government trucks were deployed to ferry commuters through flooded areas. Technicians and disaster prevention personnel were on hand to assist stranded vehicles and provide basic repairs. Some areas saw multiple accidents, including rear-end collisions and motorcycles skidding due to slippery roads and waves caused by passing vehicles.

Higher than expected

Panya Meechai, head of disaster prevention at Laem Fah Pha subdistrict, noted that the area is the first to be affected by rising seawater and has previously warned residents. But today’s tide was higher than last month, making it difficult for people to move their belongings in time.

He added that the swift influx of water was exacerbated by strong winds from the sea, causing water levels to rise more than usual. Rescue teams have been dispatched to assist residents in relocating their belongings and directing traffic along waterlogged routes, especially on Suksawat-Pom Phra Chul road, which saw higher water levels.

These areas experienced flooding of 60 to 70 centimetres due to their low elevation, making passage difficult for smaller vehicles.

On the Pracha Samakkhi-Pracha Uthit 90 road, water levels reached 50 to 60 centimetres, further complicating navigation and causing some vehicles to suffer interior damage. This has led to significant traffic congestion on the main Pracha Uthit 90 road, with vehicles coming to a standstill.