Monitoring of Chao Phraya River Intensifies Amid Flood Concerns
PUBLISHED: September 4, 2024, at 19:24
The Royal Irrigation Department has issued a warning for residents in Ayutthaya of potential flash floods due to a significant rise in the Chao Phraya River. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation at two key water monitoring stations.
The warning, announced Wednesday, particularly affects those living near Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong and along Khlong Bang Ban in Bang Ban district, as well as parts of Phak Hai district in Ayutthaya. These regions are vulnerable due to their low-lying geography.
Concerns have been raised by local community groups regarding government responses to compensation for residents already impacted by increasing water levels.
The current water discharge rate at the Chao Phraya barrage dam in Chai Nat has increased to between 1,400 and 1,500 cubic meters per second, a notable rise from last week’s 900 to 1,400 cubic meters per second.
Additionally, monitoring at the C13 Station near the barrage indicates a water flow of 1,498 cubic meters per second. In Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district, upstream water flow at the C2 station has surpassed 1,529 cubic meters per second.
Surasee Kittimonthon, secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources, warned that ongoing rainfall could escalate the discharge rates to 2,500 cubic meters per second at the C2 station and 2,000 cubic meters per second at the C13 station in the coming days.
Major dams, including Bhumibol, Sirikit, and Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan, currently possess adequate capacity to manage additional water accumulation, with plans to open water catchment areas to mitigate excess runoff.
Residents in Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi are urged to remain vigilant of flash flood risks as the Chao Phraya River continues to swell.
Tropical storm Yagi is projected to bring additional rainfall to Northern and Upper Northeastern regions from September 8 to 13, according to meteorological reports.
