A flood alert has been issued for Bangkok and 10 central provinces due to increased flow from the Chao Phraya Dam.
The threat follows unstable weather conditions in upper Thailand, with thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
See: Thailand: floods devastate Chiang Mai, tourists evacuated
Chaiyawat Junthirapong, director general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said:
“The alert has been issued for the provinces of Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, as well as for Bangkok.
Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the water situation, particularly in low-lying areas outside flood barriers.
Provinces have also been instructed to coordinate with local authorities and relevant agencies to:
- Inspect flood barriers;
- Prepare emergency equipment and machines;
- Deploy personnel to monitor the situation;
- Be prepared to assist the public 24 hours a day.
The department received information from the Royal Irrigation Department that Upper Thailand is experiencing unsettled weather, with thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall in some areas, including the northern and central regions, as well as Bangkok and its surroundings.”
Currently, the flow rate of Chao Phraya Dam is 2,000 cubic meters per second.
According to the forecast for the next 1-7 days, it is expected that on October 11, the water flow at the station in Nakhon Sawan province will be around 2,200-2,500 cubic meters per second.
The national water resources committee approved the ministry’s proposal to gradually increase the water flow from Chao Phraya Dam, but at a rate not exceeding 2,500 cubic meters per second.
However, to mitigate the impact on downstream areas, the Royal Irrigation Department will control the flow of water through the dam at a rate not exceeding 2,400 cubic meters per second.
This will allow it to manage the northern water mass and the precipitation that should accumulate during this period.
This flow will cause water levels to rise along the Chao Phraya River and in low-lying areas outside the flood barriers by approximately 60 to 70 centimeters, which could affect communities in four provinces:
The Thong, Ayutthaya, Sing Buri and Chainat.
The department issued warnings to provinces downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam and relevant agencies, advising residents living on both banks of the river and in flood-prone areas to closely monitor water levels and prepare to possible flooding.
If the water level in the upper regions increases and results in increased water flow through Chao Phraya Dam, further updates will be provided periodically.
See also:
Thailand mobilizes to save elephants victims of floods
Source : The Nation Thailand
