Monsoon Trough and Southwest Monsoon Combine to Raise Flood Risk
Thailand's Office of the National Water Resources has issued a four-day warning covering 27 provinces, alerting residents to the risk of flash floods, forest run-off and urban flooding as heavy to very heavy rain is forecast from August 6 to 9. The warning was triggered by a strengthening monsoon trough expected to extend across the upper North and upper Northeast, combined with a strong southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
The Thai Meteorological Department said isolated heavy rain is expected across the country, with isolated very heavy rain possible in the North, Northeast and East regions. Bangkok itself faces elevated flood risk, with the department earlier reporting the capital experiencing 60 per cent rainfall coverage in the days leading up to the warning period.
Residents Told to Stay Alert as Small Boats Ordered Ashore
Authorities have urged residents in the affected provinces to remain alert for flash floods, rapid water run-off, waterlogging and mudslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas. Small boats operating in the upper Gulf of Thailand have been advised to remain ashore for the duration of the warning period, from August 6 to 9, due to rough sea conditions. The latest alert follows a separate warning from the Bangkok Post reporting that twenty provinces had already been flagged for flash flood risk in the days prior, as Thailand's rainy season continues to bring sustained downpours across much of the country. Local officials are monitoring water levels in major river basins and reservoirs as the monsoon system moves through, with the National Water Resources office continuing to issue updates as conditions evolve.
