Thailand’s Lom Sak raises flood alert on Sept 16 after river hits 8.12m
Lom Sak in Thailand urges at-risk residents to move valuables to safety on September 16, with blocked drainage equipment restored.
- Lom Sak Municipality raised a red-flag flood warning on September 16 after the Pa Sak River reached 8.12 metres at the S3 monitoring station and was still rising.
- Disaster authorities warned that low-lying riverside communities and areas outside flood embankments in Lom Sak and neighbouring subdistricts were at risk.
- Lom Sak Municipality reported that debris had been cleared from water-propulsion machines, restoring full capacity for drainage operations.
Lom Sak Municipality in Thailand’s Phetchabun province raised its highest flood warning on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), after the Pa Sak River registered 8.12 metres at the S3 monitoring station at 8am local time and was continuing to rise. Residents in vulnerable areas were urged to move belongings and vehicles to safety.
Phetchabun irrigation officials instructed the municipality to raise a red flag following the morning measurements. The 8am readings on September 16 showed contrasting conditions upstream, with S33 in Lom Kao district recording 5.97 metres and falling, while S53 at Ban Wang Rong Bridge stood at 4.55 metres and was also declining.
Despite the lower readings upstream, accumulated runoff from heavy rain was still converging on Lom Sak, placing pressure on the municipality’s drainage system. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) warned that continued inflows into the Pa Sak River could push water levels higher.
Lom Sak warning targets low-lying riverside communities
The DDPM’s warning identified areas outside flood embankments and low-lying riverside communities in Lom Sak Municipality and neighbouring subdistricts as particularly exposed to runoff in the Pa Sak River. Residents were urged to take protective measures immediately and monitor official announcements closely.
Lom Sak Municipality advised households to move belongings and electrical appliances to higher ground, beyond the reach of floodwater. Cars and motorcycles should be taken to safe locations designated by the municipality, while official documents, bank books and valuables should be placed in waterproof bags.
Lom Sak’s safety advice also covered disconnecting electricity and checking wiring and sockets in low-lying areas to reduce the risk of electric shock. Families were urged to move elderly residents, bedridden patients and young children to safe locations and give vulnerable people particular attention.
Lom Sak crews clear debris from water-propulsion machines
Teams led by Lom Sak Mayor Kitti Phuachuay cleared branches, weeds and rubbish from water-propulsion machines at Wat Pho Si Song Khon Bridge in the Tha Kok Pho community, restoring equipment used to accelerate drainage.
Kitti joined the operation alongside Kraisorn Phaokhiriphana, head of the municipal clerk’s office. Municipal disaster prevention and mitigation personnel and engineering staff worked with the Royal Irrigation Department to remove material carried downstream and trapped around the machines’ propeller blades.
Lom Sak Municipality reported that all obstructions had been removed, allowing the machines to resume full operation and help move water away from residential areas. Drainage work continued around the clock.
The municipality also appealed to residents to stop throwing rubbish into rivers and canals, warning that even a single item could contribute to a blockage and increase the risk of flooding.
Lom Sak provides round-the-clock emergency assistance
Lom Sak Municipality offered 24-hour assistance to residents in the municipal area and nearby communities who needed help moving belongings, evacuating patients or reporting emergencies. The contact numbers listed in the municipal advice are:
Lom Sak Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Unit: 056-701066 and 056-701080.
Mayor’s hotline: 086-929-9993.
Disaster emergency line: 199.
