BANGKOK, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Victim Assistance Operations Center has issued a warning to 11 provinces downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam about rising water levels, expected to increase by 30-50 centimeters.
The center elaborated that the development is due to heavy rainfall in Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, and Suphan Buri, which has led to higher water flow upstream of the dam, prompting the need to increase the dam’s water discharge rate to 1,600 cubic meters per second.
Residents and businesses in low-lying areas of Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok have been advised to prepare for potential effect from the heavy downpour.
Several areas in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya are expected to experience the largest increases in water levels. The discharge rate is projected to reach 1,750 cubic meters per second by October 25th and 1,900 cubic meters per second by October 26th.
Additionally, the Royal Irrigation Department has been instructed to consider reducing the water discharge from the Sirikit Dam to mitigate downstream impacts. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Trami is expected to bring increased rain and strong winds to northeastern provinces, though it will not directly affect Thailand.
The center also reported that flood recovery efforts continue in Chiang Rai, with the first phase of cleanup mostly completed. Deputy Minister of Interior Theerarat Samrejvanich recently visited affected communities to distribute supplies. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Chiang Rai on October 28th to oversee the handover of restored areas to local communities. (NNT)
