CHAI NAT, 4 September 2014 – Irrigation authorities have cautioned seven central provinces along the Chao Phraya River to brace for possible flooding this September 8 due to runoff from upstream areas.
The director of the Royal Irrigation Office 12 stated that a flood warning has been issued for a total of seven provinces located downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam, consisting of Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya and Lop Buri. The warning indicates that on September 8 the northern runoff is expected to cause the amount of water flowing into the Chao Phraya Dam to increase significantly.
As a consequence, the dam would have to adjust the rate of discharge up from 631 cubic meters per second to 1,400-1,600 cubic meters, causing the water level in downstream sections of the Chao Phraya to climb. A rise of two meters could be seen in Chai Nat and one meter in Ayutthaya. Moreover, the Noi River in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya could be on the verge of overflowing.
Residents in the seven provinces whose homes and businesses are located adjacent to the rivers have been urged to move their belongings up high and off the ground to minimize damages from the flood. They are also advised to closely monitor the water situation. Disaster relief officials, meanwhile, are fully ready to provide assistance for those in need.
