Persistent monsoon rain puts 12 Thai provinces at risk of flooding
Twelve provinces are under heightened monitoring, with pumps, machinery and personnel prepared around the clock as monsoon conditions raise flood risks.
- A monsoon trough and strong southwest monsoon are expected to cause persistent heavy rain across Thailand, with the highest risk forecast for August 10-16.
- Twelve provinces, primarily in the North and Northeast, have been identified as being at special risk for flash floods, forest run-off, and overflowing waterways.
- Government agencies have issued warnings, intensified water monitoring, and placed machinery and personnel on standby to assist the public in at-risk areas.
The government has intensified its monitoring of water conditions during persistent heavy rain across Thailand under the influence of a monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon.
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) have issued warnings for at-risk areas, while machinery and personnel have been placed on standby to assist the public 24 hours a day.
Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokesperson, said the TMD forecast that, during August 10–16, a monsoon trough would extend across the upper North and Laos, while the southwest monsoon would be rather strong.
Several regions were therefore expected to see higher cumulative rainfall totals, raising the risk of flash floods, forest run-off and waterways overflowing their banks.
Regional weather forecast for August 10–16
North and Northeast
Thundershowers are forecast across 60–70% of the area, with isolated heavy rain throughout the period.
Central region
Thundershowers are forecast across 40–60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain.
East
Rain is expected across 60–70% of the area during August 10–11. Rain coverage is expected to decrease to 40–60% during August 12–16, with isolated heavy rain still expected.
Twelve provinces under special watch
The at-risk areas requiring close monitoring of water conditions and heightened preparations for recurrent flooding are listed below.
- Chiang Rai
- Chiang Mai
- Mae Hong Son
- Nan
- Phitsanulok
- Mukdahan
- Roi Et
- Yasothon
- Nakhon Phanom
- Udon Thani
- Amnat Charoen
- Saraburi
RID measures and advice for residents
The RID has ordered the preparation and deployment of machinery, pumps and disaster-relief equipment at risk locations. It is also closely monitoring the volume of water flowing from upstream and managing water in the Chao Phraya River Basin to reduce the impact on downstream areas.
People living on foothill slopes, in low-lying areas, beside waterways and in locations prone to recurrent flooding have been advised to take the following steps.
- Closely follow official updates and warnings.
- Monitor water levels and cumulative rainfall in the area.
- Prepare to move belongings, valuables and agricultural equipment to higher ground immediately if heavy rain continues.
