BANGKOK, Thailand – Flooding continued to impact several areas damaging agricultural land, homes, and roads. Authorities are conducting assessments to provide initial relief. The National Water Resources Office (NWRO) has also warned that 1-2 typhoons are expected to hit Thailand during this rainy season, with September seeing heavier rainfall than August. The northern and central regions will be most affected, particularly around September 6-7.
The Huai Luang Dam in Udon Thani began releasing water today and will continue until September 7. The water will flow through various districts, including Mueang Udon Thani and Sang Khom, before entering Phon Phisai District and finally the Mekong River. Residents near the Huai Luang River and its tributaries are advised to move valuables to higher ground and closely monitor the flood situation.
In Nong Khai, heavy rains have flooded over 5,000 rai of agricultural land in Na Nang and Chum Chang subdistricts, with floodwaters reaching 1-2 meters high. Rice crops have been submerged for more than three days, and in some areas, roads are also flooded, causing difficulties for small vehicles.
Aerial surveys of the Yom and Nan Rivers were conducted by irrigation officials in Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, and Phichit provinces to prepare for the water expected to flow from the north into Nakhon Sawan over the next 3-4 days. The Yom and Nan Rivers are overflowing in several areas, but some of the water is being absorbed by natural reservoirs. There are plans to divert water from the Nan River into Bueng Boraphet for storage on September 15.
In Khon Kaen, flash floods have eroded roads between Ban Lao Yai and Ban Non, damaging over 1,000 rai of farmland. The province has declared the area a disaster zone, with compensation for affected rice fields set at 1,340 baht per rai and sugarcane and cassava fields at 1,980 baht per rai, up to a maximum of 30 rai per person. The compensation will be paid by the end of September.
NWRO Secretary-General, Mr. Surasi Kittimonthon, stated that September will see more rainfall than August, with the northern and central regions being the most affected. After that, rain will shift to the southern regions in October and November. The Meteorological Department is closely monitoring the situation, particularly Typhoon Yagi, which is forming in the South China Sea and may intensify as it moves towards Hainan, China, and Northern Vietnam.
As Typhoon Yagi’s outer bands are expected to impact northern and northeastern Thailand around September 6-7, heavy rains are anticipated. There will also be a water management meeting in Ayutthaya on September 5 to prepare for potential downstream impacts from the Chao Phraya Dam if water discharge exceeds 2,000 cubic meters per second. (TNA)
