Local officials told to watch water levels at dams as tropical depression approaches

The deputy secretary-general at the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), Samrerng Saengphuwong, cited the Thailand Meteorological Department’s forecast that a category 1 active low pressure cell in the middle of the South China Sea was likely to intensify into a category 2 tropical depression and was expected to move to the Gulf of Thailand by October 8. It was likely to bring isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the lower Northeast, the East, the Central and the South from October 7-9.
The ONWR in particular has urged authorities to monitor the water level of Khun Dan Prakarn Chon reservoir in Nakhon Nayok province and Nong Pla Lai reservoir in Rayong province, as they are nearly at full capacity and could cause flash floods in nearby areas.
The office also warned that from October 7-12, the following provinces would be prone to flash floods, water runoffs and landslides:
Northern region: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Nan, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani.
Northeastern region: Chaiyaphum, Loei, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima
Eastern region: Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong
Western region: Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Phetburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Southern region: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang and Stun.
Authorities in these areas should update local people of the situation and prepare for evacuation if necessary, the ONWR advised.