Thailand’s ONWR issues flash flood warning for five southern provinces
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) issued a warning for potential flash floods and forest runoff in five southern provinces in Thailand, following the forecast of increased rainfall due to a northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the south.
Samroeng Sangphuwong, Deputy Secretary-General of the ONWR, disclosed the alert today. The advisory, which is the fifth of its kind issued this year, calls for vigilance from November 25 to 30. The warning highlights the risk of sudden floods and forest runoff in specific districts of Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces.
Moreover, the ONWR advised monitoring medium and small-sized reservoirs with water levels exceeding 80%. These are situated in Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. The reservoirs that have a risk of overflowing are those with water inflow exceeding their storage capacity, leading to floods downstream, particularly at the Bang Lang Dam in Yala province.
The ONWR also advises caution for an abrupt rise in water levels and overflowing in major rivers and tributaries, including the Chao Phraya, Lam, Tha Nae, Sai Buri, Pattani, Bang Nara, Golok rivers and the Tan Yong Mas Canal.
In preparation, the ONWR has urged relevant agencies to continuously monitor weather and water conditions, particularly areas with accumulated rainfall exceeding 90 millimetres within 24 hours and regular flood-prone areas.
Adjustments to water management in large, medium, and small water storage areas, including waterways, sluice gates, and floodgates, need to be harmonised from upstream to downstream considering the influence of sea-level rise and fall. Rapid drainage and reservoir preparation to accommodate heavy forecasted rainfall is recommended, reported KhaoSod.
The ONWR has also advised preparing a plan to tackle various water situations, mobilising personnel, machinery, and tools, as well as publicising water situations and issuing advance warnings to people who are likely to be affected. This will enable residents to prepare for evacuation timely if the situation deteriorates, ensuring immediate assistance.
