Thailand braces for heavy rain and potential flooding

The Thai National Water Resources Office (ONWR) issued a nationwide water situation forecast yesterday at 7am. A moderate monsoon trough is expected to affect northern, northeastern, and central Thailand from September 1 to 3, merging with a strong low-pressure system over the central South China Sea.

The southwest monsoon will also impact the Andaman Sea, southern, and eastern regions, as well as the Gulf of Thailand, causing increased rainfall and heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the lower northeastern, central, eastern, and upper southern regions.

Current reservoir water levels show total water storage at 61% of capacity, equivalent to nearly 49 billion cubic meters, with 43% of this being usable water. The ONWR has issued a warning for high tide levels from today until September 5, as high tides combined with expected heavy rainfall could elevate river levels, potentially flooding low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya, Mae Khlong, Tha Chin, and Bang Pakong rivers.

Communities outside flood barriers and temporary dikes, particularly in Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan, are at risk. There is also a need to monitor rising water levels of the Mekong River until tomorrow, August 31, which could lead to overflow and flooding along the riverbanks in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.

Local officials advise residents in these areas to stay vigilant and prepared for possible flooding, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, drama unfolded over the distribution of donated meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province on August 23. A heated debate arose after a member of the Facebook group, Original Nan Community Market posted about their frustrating experience trying to obtain food aid.

In other news, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected vital levee repairs and boosted confidence in the city’s flood defence strategy.

Chadchart, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Supsompol and top officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Drainage and Sewerage Department, conducted a crucial inspection of flood levee repairs along the Chao Phraya River in Yannawa district.