Torrential rains cause major disruption with flooded roads and railway lines in southern Thailand

The southern region of Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, home to Suranaree University of Technology and the 80th Anniversary Stadium, has been severely affected by the torrential rains over the past two days, causing the accumulated rainwater to total 26 centimetres.

The torrential rains led to natural canals overflowing and flooding major roads and railway lines, causing significant inconvenience to the local population. The water level is expected to decrease in approximately two to three days if there are no additional rainfalls, according to Chitphol Lao-an, Head of the Nakhon Ratchasima Highway District 2.

Currently, the water level on the outbound lane at Mittraphap Road, in front of the Tet Thai market in the Suranaree sub-district, is 20 to 30 centimetres high. Only large vehicles and trucks can pass through one lane, while smaller cars can use two to three lanes. However, traffic has been slowed down, leading to a 300-metre-long queue. The situation is returning to normal in front of the Save One market.

On Ratchasima-Chokchai Road, in front of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Transport Office, Chokchai branch, the water level is 20 centimetres high. Vehicles can pass but at a reduced speed.

In front of Phukhaolad railway station in the Ban Mai sub-district, the water level is still rising and the flow is strong. Track 1, which is the main railway line, has been closed to prevent flooding on all three tracks which would cause the suspension of all train services from the upper and lower parts of the northeastern region to the central region, reported KhaoSod.

Currently, all trains are using Track 2, but at a speed not exceeding 10 kilometres per hour, said Chaiwit Burasomboon, Head of the Nakhon Ratchasima Highway District 3.

“We’re constantly monitoring the situation to prevent the railway from breaking.”

Persistent heavy rainfall in Nakhon Ratchasima led to a significant and rapid rise in water levels upstream of the Phimai Dam. Read more HERE.

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