THE Royal Irrigation Department has increased Chao Phraya dam’s water discharge rate to 2,500 cubic metres per second, effective from noon today (Sep. 30) with the flow to Nakhon Sawan reaching 3,000 m3/s by Friday (Oct. 2) thus residents in low-lying areas of Bangkok and 10 provinces are urged to move their belongings to higher ground, Amarin TV said.
Capt.Phatdarasam Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokesperson, said the department has warned governors of Bangkok and 10 provinces, namely Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, to prepare for the anticipated rise in water levels.
The department forecast that by Friday the peak inflow to C.2 station in Mueang Nakhon Sawan district will reach approximately 3,000 m3/s ; combined with an additional 700–750 m3/s from tributaries, the total inflow upstream of Chao Phraya dam is expected to reach around 3,600–3,700 m3/s. Meanwhile, the department is diverting approximately 550–580 m3/s to irrigation systems on both banks.
The department mentioned that this increased discharge will not affect communities located within flood embankments. However, residents living in low-lying areas outside embankments and along the banks of Chao Phraya and Noi rivers are advised to monitor the situation closely and make advance preparations.
Meanwhile Prime Minister-cum-Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a “war room” has been set up to receive daily situation updates each morning, mirroring the approach taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation serving as the lead agency coordinating with other bodies.
Additionally, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the current strategy prioritises lowering water levels in canals first. Bangkok has four main canals: Prem Prachakorn, Lat Phrao, Saen Saep, and Prawet Burirom. Currently, water level remains high only in the Prawet Burirom canal. Once levels in these canals drop, water can be effectively drained from communities and roadways.
Floodwaters on major roads are expected to recede by tomorrow, although some roads and communities adjacent to the Prawet Burirom canal may still experience lingering inundation.
Water pumps are currently being deployed to various communities. Notably, high-capacity pumps were used this morning to drain water from Khlong Chan flats, resulting in water level dropping 15 centimetres per hour with this suggesting the situation will soon improve.
However, concerns remain regarding the Prawet Burirom canal flowing through Lat Krabang and Sai Mai districts as runoff from the north could potentially increase water level.
Vigilance is essential, particularly in districts along the eastern bank of Chao Phraya river where flood barriers must be reinforced, gaps in flood defence line filled and communities located outside the barriers monitored.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Chao Phraya dam.
Insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt standing behind him at right. Both photos – Amarin TV
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