Flooding persists in 21 provinces affecting more than 84,000 people

The government is closely monitoring flooding across Thailand, with 21 provinces still affected and more than 84,000 people impacted as of Saturday morning (September 26), while emergency agencies have been ordered to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in high-risk areas.

Deputy Government Spokeswoman Lalida Perswiwatthana said Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth had instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to continuously monitor rainfall and water levels, deploy personnel and disaster-response machinery where needed, and issue immediate public warnings when risks emerge.

More than 84,000 people affected

According to DDPM data as of 7am on September 26, flooding remained in 21 provinces, covering 93 districts, 350 subdistricts and 1,425 villages.

A total of 27,109 households, or 84,605 people, were affected.

Bangkok also had flooding on road surfaces at 44 locations. Overall, water levels in most affected areas were beginning to decline.

Between September 16 and 26, accumulated flood impacts were reported across 36 provinces, covering 143 districts, 506 subdistricts and 1,966 villages.

Over the period, 33,302 households, or 102,957 people, were affected. Bangkok recorded flooding in 22 districts at 66 locations.

The government had already ordered provinces and Bangkok to strengthen preparations for flash floods, run-off, landslides and urban flooding during the September 23-27 period, with emergency teams and machinery positioned in high-risk areas.

Water rising in three provinces

The latest assessment divided affected provinces according to water-level trends.

Water levels were rising in Suphan Buri, Chachoengsao and Sa Kaeo.

Levels were stable in Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri and Trat.

Water was receding in Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Saraburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Jeseth instructed DDPM and its regional centres to pay particular attention to areas where water was still rising and ensure that personnel and equipment could be deployed immediately.

Provincial authorities were also told to maintain close coordination and keep response teams on duty around the clock.

Cell Broadcast warnings sent to at-risk communities

Lalida said DDPM was using its public warning system to send information directly to mobile phones in risk areas.

Residents in Nonthaburi were warned on Friday morning that persistent rainfall and further expected rain could cause waterlogging while drainage operations continued.

People in low-lying areas were advised to move belongings to higher ground, avoid flooded roads and check their routes before travelling.

A separate Cell Broadcast warning was issued for Chaeng Watthana Road, where continuous rain left water around 50 centimetres deep on both inbound and outbound lanes, making the route impassable for small vehicles.

Traffic was closed from the area around Khlong Prapa to the bypass U-turn, with motorists advised to avoid the route.

“Warnings must reach people quickly, particularly in areas experiencing continuous rain and rising water levels, so residents have time to prepare, move belongings to higher ground, plan their journeys and avoid dangerous areas,” Lalida quoted Jeseth as saying.

“At the same time, officials must be ready to provide immediate assistance when incidents occur.”

Disaster response remains at Level 2

Flood management in affected areas remains classified as a Level 2 disaster, with provincial governors or the Bangkok governor responsible for directing operations within their jurisdictions.

DDPM and other agencies stand ready to provide additional personnel, equipment and machinery as required.

Lalida stressed that although water levels were falling in many areas, some provinces were still experiencing increases and others continued to receive rain.

The government therefore urged residents to remain cautious, follow DDPM alerts and official announcements closely, and contact their local administrative organisation, subdistrict headman, village headman or local officials if they require assistance.

 

For those who wish to help our fellow citizens suffering and affected by the floods, you can make a donation through the following accounts:

Nation Foundation

Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri): Account No. 333-0-01399-6

Kasikorn Bank: Account No. 192-3-59782-0

"We will get through this crisis together."