Thailand Launches 24-Hour Flood Watch as Central Region Faces Incessant Rain

AMID incessant heavy rain the government today (Sep. 25) set up a 24-hour war room to monitor the situation in the Central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, and track water flow downstream from Chao Phraya dam with machinery and personnel prepared to handle floods, PPTVHD36 said, Ms. Lalida Peritwiwattana, deputy government spokesperson, said Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri has instructed relevant agencies to be ready in giving early warnings, prepare for water management and deploy machinery and personnel to do so, plus take care of residents in affected areas. The Meteorological Department is continuously tracking weather conditions and has warned that from yesterday up to Sunday (Sep.24-27), heavy rain is expected across many areas of the Central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, with isolated areas experiencing very heavy rainfall. Consequently, the public, particularly those in low-lying areas and locations prone to recurring floods, is urged to closely follow weather forecasts and official government announcements. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Water Resources has coordinated with relevant agencies to monitor rainfall and water conditions in the Chao Phraya River basin. Particular attention is being paid to low-lying areas outside flood embankments downstream of the Chao Phraya dam, specifically in parts of Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani provinces. Inspections of flood embankments and drainage routes are underway, along with the removal of waterway obstructions and the mobilisation of personnel and machinery to provide support to affected areas as needed. The Royal Irrigation Department continues to manage water in the Chao Phraya River basin. As of 6.00 a.m. today, the flow rate from Chao Phraya dam was 1,750 cubic metres per second. Water was diverted into distribution systems at rates of 242 cubic metres per second in the eastern floodplains and 269 cubic metres per second in the western floodplains to help regulate volumes. Additionally, between September 14 and 20, twelve water pumps were installed to facilitate floodwater drainage in Nakhon Pathom, Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, and Samut Sakhon provinces. Lalida added that local authorities in Ayutthaya have implemented preventive measures at critical locations. Military personnel and Volunteer Defence Corps members have been mobilised to reinforce flood barriers near Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan with those near Wat Chaiwatthanaram are being watched. Shelters, medical units, and support teams have also been prepared in advance. Information source: Thai Newsroom