Bangkok: The government has issued a warning to 12 provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand, urging them to remain vigilant for heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. The irrigation departments have been ordered to prepare for immediate response.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongslueykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the government is paying close attention to the ongoing rainfall and water situation in the country. The Royal Irrigation Department has been instructed to have machinery, water pumps, equipment, and personnel on standby to assist the public should flooding occur.
The Royal Irrigation Department has reported that a monsoon trough passing over the upper part of northern Thailand and upper Laos, along with a strong southwest monsoon, is causing heavy to very heavy and prolonged rainfall. This situation raises the risk of flash floods, landslides, and river overflows, particularly in hillside areas, locations near waterways, and low-lying regions.
The provinces requiring special monitoring include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Mukdahan, Saraburi, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Phitsanulok, and Amnat Charoen. Authorities in these areas have been instructed to continuously monitor conditions, assess impacts, and prepare necessary resources to support high-risk areas.
In the Chao Phraya River basin, the Royal Irrigation Department is keeping a close watch on upstream water levels and rainfall. The department is actively managing water resources to control water volume and minimize impacts on downstream areas.
Captain Patthadarasmi emphasized the importance for residents in the monitored regions, particularly those in low-lying areas, along rivers, on hillsides, and in places prone to recurring flooding, to pay close attention to official warnings. In the event of continued heavy rain or rising water levels, they should prepare to relocate belongings and agricultural equipment to higher ground.
The Royal Irrigation Department will maintain continuous surveillance of water and weather conditions and will coordinate with relevant agencies to provide timely assistance to vulnerable populations, aiming to prevent and mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding.