The Talat Kao community in Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri faced significant flooding after relentless heavy rainfall and runoff from Khao Yai, as snapped through the lens by Manit Sanabboon. The community was submerged under water up to an alarming height of 50-70cm, causing disruptions to everyday life. Students had to trudge through floodwaters to get to their classes, and some ailing residents had to be relocated to the safety of their relatives’ homes.
Residents across Bangkok and five other provinces, namely Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan, have been put on high alert. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) warned that a confluence of high tides and continuous rainfall until August 8 threatens to swell rivers to dangerous levels, imperiling low-lying riverside communities outside flood embankments along the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Thachin, and Bang Pakong rivers.
The situation is especially dire in the province of Chanthaburi, where the ONWR director-general, Thanaroj Woraratprasert, forecasts between 200 and 300 millimetres of rainfall over the next two days, particularly affecting the upper reaches of the Bang Pakong River in Makham and Khao Kitchakut districts. This could spell trouble for commercial areas and zones vital to the local economy, leading to recurrent flooding.
Fortunately, water levels in Chanthaburi saw a slight respite on Tuesday after the initial run-off wave subsided. Local authorities, armed with pumps, have been working diligently to excrete the deluge into the sea in anticipation of further runoff. However, the ordeal is far from over. The provincial flood operations command centre revealed that between July 27 and 30, at least 3,400 households across 170 villages in eight districts were engulfed by flooding, resulting in extensive damage to over 4,000 rai of farmland.
Meanwhile, in Trat’s Khao Saming district, the Saeng Lang community found themselves waist-deep in water. Forest runoff wreaked havoc, inundating more than 40 households. Villagers paddled through floodwaters to receive much-needed supplies of food and drinking water, distributed by local agencies. In some parts, the water rose to over a metre, compelling officials to deploy boats to deliver these essential reliefs. Although flooding began to subside at Ban Chumsaeng and Ban Tha Praud in Khao Saming, residents remain on edge, warned of potential additional rainfall and further runoff.
In a similar dreary condition, Kabin Buri district’s Talat Kao community faced a deluge from ceaseless heavy rains and runoff from Khao Yai. Students had to brave the watery pathways to reach their schools, and those in poor health were moved to safer locations, relying on their familial networks for shelter and care.
The concerted efforts by local agencies to tackle these weather-induced adversities highlight the resilience and community spirit across these regions. Nevertheless, the looming threat of additional rains keeps everyone on their toes, anticipating the next wave of challenges posed by Mother Nature.
This is devastating. Climate change is real, and we need to take it seriously.
I don’t think this is about climate change. It’s just nature’s cycle. This has happened before.
Right, but it’s becoming more frequent and severe. Isn’t that indicative of larger issues?
Exactly my point. The frequency and severity scream climate change.
Governments should be better prepared for such events. Where are the proactive measures?
It’s easier said than done. These situations are unpredictable, and resources are stretched.
That’s why community efforts are vital. Local people help each other more effectively sometimes.
This is a complex issue, combining urban planning flaws, environmental concerns, and emergency management.
Exactly. It’s not black and white. We need multifaceted solutions.
Just move to higher ground! Problem solved.
Easier said than done. Not everyone can afford to move.
Also, it’s not just about moving. It’s about rebuilding in safer, sustainable ways.
Wow, the local authorities are doing their best. Kudos to them!
They could be doing more. This happens every year, and yet the response is always reactive.
Reactive measures are important too. Immediate help is crucial during such crises.
It’s sad that students have to go through this. Education should be more accessible.
Agreed. They should consider remote learning options during extreme weather conditions.
Remote learning is not the solution for everything. Kids need social interaction too!
These events are why we need to plant more trees and protect our forests.
Forests won’t stop a flood. We need better drainage systems and infrastructure.
With today’s technology, we should be able to predict and prevent such disasters.
It’s not as simple as it sounds. Technology can help, but nature is unpredictable.
True, but predictive models and AI could minimize the impact.
Flooding has been a part of history. Humans have always adapted.
Cities like Bangkok need better urban planning to mitigate these issues.
That’s true. Proper planning could indeed reduce the severity of such events.
How can we help from afar? Donations, volunteering?
We should pressure our governments to take climate actions seriously and support international relief efforts.
It’s great to see community spirit in action. People need to come together to overcome these challenges.
Indeed. In times of crisis, community and solidarity are key.
What about public transportation? Waterlogged roads must make it nearly impossible to get around.
Hopefully, these events will push for more resilient infrastructure developments.
We all need to take individual actions to reduce our carbon footprint.