Heavy rainfall floods Pattaya, causes extensive vehicle damage

Heavy rainfall which lasted three hours submerged parts of Pattaya, resulting in extensive vehicle damage. Yesterday, September 3, thunderstorms and heavy rain lashed Pattaya, significantly affecting the city as observed by local reporters.

The intense downpour led to rapidly rising water levels, overwhelming the drainage system and causing widespread flooding.

Areas particularly vulnerable to flooding after just half an hour of rain, such as Pattaya Third Road, Sukhumvit Road near South Pattaya Highway, and the road along the railway between Khao Talo and Soi Wat Tham Samakkhi, were severely impacted. Floodwaters rendered these main roads impassable for motorcycles and small cars. Numerous vehicles sustained damage as drivers attempted to navigate the floodwaters, only to have their vehicles swept away by strong currents, said a resident.

“It was chaos out there. Cars were getting stuck and the water was rising so quickly.”

Despite the challenging conditions, there were no reported injuries. Good Samaritans and officials stepped in to assist, helping push stranded vehicles to the roadside.

The severe weather emphasised the city’s need for improved drainage systems to prevent such incidents in the future, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, Pattaya City is rallying together with Bang Lamung district, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Pattaya Police Station to launch donation points for flood relief in North Thailand. The initiative, spearheaded by Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Prasert Thongthitcharoen of the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and Petty Officer 1st Class Pittayaphon Kokaew, Bang Lamung District Chief, aims to bring aid to those in need.

In other news, residents of Nonthaburi expressed concern for a section of the flood barrier along the Chao Phraya River which collapsed four months ago and remains unrepaired. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has only erected a temporary earthen dam, leaving locals doubtful of its effectiveness in preventing flooding.

The flood barrier, spanning about 75 metres from the Pak Khlong Bang Kruai watergate to near Wat Lum Klongkharam in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, fell into the Chao Phraya River on the evening of May 11.