Flooding in Central Plains Intensifies Amid Rising Water Levels
Many low-lying areas in the Central Plains are currently facing severe flooding, with residents reporting that parts of Ayutthaya province have remained submerged for over three months. This situation has been exacerbated by increased water discharges from the Chao Phraya barrage, which has led to widespread inundation in several districts.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued a warning on Thursday that most of Thailand is at risk of potential flooding due to the impact of Storm Kalmaegi. Despite these concerns, government officials emphasized on Friday that there would not be a repeat of the catastrophic floods experienced in 2011.
In response to the storm warnings, the Royal Irrigation Department increased the discharge rate of the barrage in the upper central province of Chai Nat. This action has caused the Chao Phraya River downstream to rise by 60-90 centimeters, further complicating flood management efforts.
Local Impacts and Community Response
In Ang Thong, roads and various agricultural, residential, and business areas in Pa Mok district were flooded after an embankment collapsed on Friday. The water levels reached up to 40 centimeters in some locations, causing significant disruption to daily life.
On Saturday, floodwaters were reported to be receding, but residents remained on high alert as more water continued to flow down from the North. In Nonthaburi, areas near the Chao Phraya River, including Muang and Pak Kret districts, have experienced flooding since Thursday. U-turn points under the Rama IV Bridge spanning the two riverbanks were also affected.
In Ayutthaya, a floodgate at Khlong Ta Nueng in Bang Ban district subsided late Friday night, allowing water to surge into surrounding areas. This event led to the flooding of floodplains and a community in Phak Hai district. Authorities were working around the clock to drain water and seal breached barriers to prevent conditions from worsening.
Residents’ Frustration Over Water Mismanagement
On Friday, approximately 300 residents from Ayutthaya gathered at an intersection in Sena district to express their frustration over the prolonged flooding. Some areas have been submerged for over three months, forcing many residents to evacuate and take shelter along roadsides.
Sena, Bang Ban, and Phak Hai districts have been particularly affected by river overflows since May. Local representatives have called on the Royal Irrigation Department to reconsider the rate of water discharge and to expedite water management efforts to alleviate public hardship.
In response, officials from the Royal Irrigation Department opened two floodgates at Khlong Kanomchin and Chao Chet to divert water toward other designated areas. On Saturday, local news reported that floodwaters had slightly receded, with more water flowing through the damaged Khlong Ta Nueng floodgate on Friday night.