Severe weather warning issued for potential flash floods and landslides in the northern, northeastern, and southern regions
In response to a weather alert issued by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), several regions in Thailand are bracing for potential flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding from July 1-5. The affected areas include northern, northeastern, eastern, and southern Thailand.
The ONWR has identified several at-risk provinces in the Northeastern region, including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Yasothon, Roi Et, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. In the Northern region, Chiang Rai, Tak, Nan, and Phayao provinces are at risk. Specific districts at risk in Chiang Rai include Mueang, Mae Sai, Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Chai, Thoeng, Chiang Khong, Wiang Kaen, and Chiang Saen.
To mitigate the risks, emergency measures and precautions have been put in place. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is managing water levels in reservoirs such as Sirikit Dam, reducing water discharge from 15 million to 10 million cubic meters per day between July 26-30 to lessen downstream impacts in river basins vulnerable to flooding.
A 24-hour "war room" has been activated for real-time weather monitoring, disaster coordination, and communication between agencies including the ONWR, Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and Hydro-Informatics Institute. Authorities have mobilized equipment for rapid drainage and flood control to minimize flood impacts in heavily affected or vulnerable areas.
The TMD has issued heavy to very heavy rain warnings for multiple provinces, with forecasts of flash floods and river overflows due to tropical storms (e.g., Wipha) and monsoon troughs influencing the northern and northeastern regions. Residents in affected provinces are warned to stay alert and prepared for sudden flooding, landslides, and urban flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Appropriate water management plans should be developed, including coordinated regulation of reservoirs, river water, dams, and floodgates from upstream to downstream. Agencies have been directed to inspect, repair, and reinforce river embankments, and remove obstructions from waterways to ensure proper flow. Efforts should focus on draining excess water and creating storage capacity ahead of the expected heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, the weather alert emphasizes proactive water control, multi-agency coordination, and infrastructure readiness to reduce flood risk and protect communities between July 1-5 in the specified regions. It is crucial for residents to stay informed, stay safe, and follow the advice of local authorities during this period.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is issuing heavy rain warnings for several provinces, advising residents to stay alert and prepared for potential floods, landslides, and urban flooding due to the monsoon troughs and tropical storms like Wipha. To reduce flood risks, appropriate water management plans should be implemented, including the inspection, repair, and reinforcement of river embankments, and the removal of obstructions from waterways. Moreover, businesses and the economy might be affected by these weather conditions, and it is essential for the general public to stay informed, stay safe, and follow local authorities' advice. In the realm of politics, the need for coordination between agencies such as the ONWR, TMD, and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is crucial for effective flood control. Additionally, the education sector could play a role in disseminating essential safety information to the public during these weather alerts.
