Bangkok – The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is maintaining its drainage rates as flood relief efforts are ongoing in risk-prone provinces.
The RID is keeping the water flow-through at the Chao Phraya Dam at no more than 2,700 cubic meters per second for another week while intensifying the water release into the sea to ease flooding in low-lying areas. Meanwhile several riverfront provinces are stepping up safety measures in response to growing flood threats.
In Pathum Thani, villagers of Samkhok district have made a flood wall with sand bags at the local temple to protect their community from the overflowing river. Four out of six townships of Samkhok district have been inundated. Evacuation shelters have been prepared in the event of an emergency.
Water levels from Singburi to Ang Thong have risen by 11-12 centimeters. Water levels in the districts of Ban Pom and Bang Ban in Ayutthaya have increased by seven and two centimeters respectively.
RID Director-General Somkiat Prachamwong said the water volume flowing into the Chao Phraya River in the capital district of Nakhon Sawan had lessened to 3,019 cubic meters per second. Water levels downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam remain stable as Bhumibol Dam is suspending its water discharge.
In the North, a flash flood in San Pa Tong district of Chiang Mai has destroyed a village bridge. A Bailey bridge is being built to ease the villagers’ plight. Governor Pawin Chamniprasat has instructed Bo Nam Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organization to estimate the construction cost of a new bridge. The military is meanwhile providing aid to 70 households affected by a flash flood in Rim Nua subdistrict.
