The Royal Irrigation Department has issued a warning to individuals living along the waterways in the lower Chao Phraya River basin, including Greater Bangkok, regarding potential overflow and elevated flood levels. This warning comes in response to anticipated heavy rains, high seas, and inflows from northern regions later this month.
Lerboon Udomsap, an engineering expert with the department, stated that beginning this week, the discharge rate at the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province will be gradually increased from 2,150 cubic metres per second to 2,400 cubic metres per second due to the large volumes of water being released from the North.
Mr. Lerboon indicated that this increased discharge will have repercussions for areas adjacent to the waterways, particularly from the Sapphaya district in Chai Nat down to Greater Bangkok. Residents may face overflow and more pronounced flooding this week.
The following low-lying areas are expected to be affected:
- The Muang and Phrom Buri districts in Sing Buri
- The Muang and Pa Mok districts in Ang Thong
- Extensive regions surrounding the Phong Pheng and Bang Ban canals, along with the Noi River in Ayutthaya
- The Muang and Sam Khok districts in Pathum Thani
- Approximately 30 riverside communities in Muang and Pak Kret districts of Nonthaburi
- Thirty-two flood-prone locations in Bangkok, including the Song Wat area
Mr. Lerboon mentioned that Greater Bangkok could experience flooding if high tides coincide with heavy rainfall this month, as waterways may already be at elevated levels, hindering the drainage of rainwater. He noted that high tides are expected between October 18 and 22.
Irrigation officials are actively working to direct water from Greater Bangkok to the sea via the Tha Chin and Bang Pakong rivers to create additional capacity for rainwater absorption this month, according to Mr. Lerboon.
Surasee Kittimonthon, secretary-general of the Office of National Water Resources, added that the influx of water from the Ping River in Chiang Mai flowing into the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province would not have any effect on the Chao Phraya River.