Chai Nat:The Royal Irrigation Department has ordered a reduction in water flow upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam to mitigate flooding impacts on areas downstream. This decision comes as seven sub-districts are already experiencing flooding.
According to Thai News Agency, the water volume upstream of the dam in Mueang Chainat District has reached 2,564 cubic meters per second, causing the water level to rise by 25 centimeters. This overflow has flooded agricultural areas and homes in several sub-districts, affecting over 100 households with floodwaters measuring between 30 to 50 centimeters deep.
In Thammamoon Subdistrict, residents reported rapid flooding, with water levels reaching knee to waist height in some areas by early morning. The Chao Phraya River has also overflowed its banks near Wat Pa Chao Phraya, flooding areas where the sacred Buddha image Luang Pho Yai is located. Chai Nat Municipality has cut electricity in affected areas and issued warnings against swimming due to strong currents.
Authorities anticipate an increase in water flow through the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,200-2,400 cubic meters per second. Residents along the riverbanks in Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, and low-lying areas in Nakhon Sawan province have been advised to prepare for rising water levels.
In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, the Tha Ruea Subdistrict Municipality has raised red flags, urging residents to move belongings to higher ground as the Pa Sak River approaches overflow levels. The increased discharge from the Phra Ram VI Dam has exacerbated flooding, affecting communities outside flood barriers in multiple districts.
Tha Ruea officials have prepared sandbags and boats for residents, while vendors at the local fresh market are relocating due to flooding warnings. Overall, 11 districts in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are affected, impacting over 34,000 households and resulting in one fatality.
In Ang Thong, the municipality has deployed large water pumps and reinforced flood barriers to prevent flooding in economic and government areas. Continuous efforts are underway to manage the increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, with authorities urging residents to monitor the situation closely and move belongings to safer locations.