Southern Thailand braces for torrential rains and flash floods

Southern Thailand is urged to prepare for torrential rains that began yesterday, October 9 and are expected to continue until Saturday, potentially causing flash floods.

This warning concerns the provinces of Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Satun, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, as stated by Surasri Kidtimonton, secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR).

The monsoon trough lying across the upper part of the south has brought heavy rain to these regions. The ONWR advises residents to monitor local reservoirs closely, as storage capacity has reached 80%.

Heavy rain and strong winds have been reported in Phetchaburi since late Tuesday night, October 8. In Mueang district, Khiriratthaya and Ratchadamnoen roads were submerged under approximately half a metre of water early yesterday morning.

Parts of Phetkasem Road in Cha-am district also experienced similar flooding, while Kaeng Krachan district suffered a blackout after strong winds caused trees to fall on power lines.

Due to the flooding, Thetsaban 1 School in Cha-am postponed exams scheduled for yesterday to today.

Meanwhile, in the Central region, the ONWR has alerted communities along the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, and Mae Khlong rivers in Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Songkhram to prepare for potential high-tide flooding from Sunday, October 13 until October 24.

Flooding in Mueang, Manorom, and Wat Sing districts of Chai Nat, located upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, has improved, with water levels in the Chao Phraya River receding below the riverbank. However, the dam continues to discharge excess water at a rate of 2,199 cubic metres per second for the fourth consecutive day, resulting in sustained flood levels in low-lying areas of Sapphaya district in Chai Nat province, reported Bangkok Post.

The situation in Ayutthaya has worsened, with northern run-off from the Chao Phraya intensifying and expanding the flood-affected areas.

“Residents should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”