Bangkok:Amid expectations of heavy rains through September 27, Thai authorities are urging residents along key waterways and in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, despite dismissing social media warnings of a "mega-flood."
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Irrigation Department has increased the discharge rate at the Chao Phraya Dam from 1,620 to 1,750 cubic meters per second. This measure is intended to manage northern runoff, which could reach up to 2,200 cubic meters per second at the C13 station. The increased discharge may raise water levels downstream by 0.70 to 1.20 meters, potentially impacting low-lying areas outside flood barriers in Ayutthaya and nearby provinces.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has sent Cell Broadcast alerts to residents in Sing Buri province, advising those outside flood walls to move vehicles and valuables to higher ground.
The Thai Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across the northern, central, eastern, and southern regions, including Bangkok, between September 23 and 27. Additionally, rough sea conditions are predicted, with waves exceeding 3 meters in stormy areas of the upper Gulf of Thailand, prompting advisories for small boats to remain ashore.
Paitoon Kengkanchang, deputy secretary-general of the Office of National Water Resources, noted that rainfall between September 24 and 26 could reach up to 200 mm in some areas due to a strong low-pressure cell and an intensifying monsoon trough. The ONWR has issued flood watches across eight eastern provinces through September 27.
In response to viral social media reports predicting severe flooding, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsri has encouraged the public to rely on official weather forecasts. He emphasized that although heavy rain is anticipated, the situation does not meet the criteria for a "mega-flood," and state agencies have implemented preventive measures.