In an effort to stave off impending devastation, disaster mitigation teams are working tirelessly, piling sandbags to construct a floodwall along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi. This scene, captured by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, is just a glimpse of the proactive measures being taken as Bangkok braces for the Chao Phraya River’s overflow, a situation exacerbated by relentless upstream flooding in northern provinces.
According to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), the inundating waters from the upper northern provinces have finally reached Bangkok. Eight days after the initial floods wreaked havoc up north, the turbulent waters have made their way downstream, fast-tracked by the Chao Phraya dam barrage in Chai Nat. This critical structure adjusts the water discharge levels, directly influencing the water situation in the Central Plains and Bangkok.
On Thursday, the barrage ramped up its discharge to 1,300 cubic meters of water per second, a significant increase from earlier levels of 1,100 cubic meters per second. This adjustment was necessitated by the rising waters of the Yom and Nan rivers, two key tributaries feeding into the Chao Phraya. Thanet Somboon, the director of the Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology, assured that this discharge rate would be maintained in the coming days to manage the voluminous flow.
Amid these efforts, the bureau is keeping a vigilant eye on the rainfall patterns predicted for September 1-4. These dates are critical due to the forecasted heavy rains, particularly in the lower North and upper Central Plains provinces. Mr. Thanet expressed deep concern for the upper Central Plains region, where farmers are in the midst of their rice harvest. The flooding poses a grave threat to their crops, potentially leading to severe economic setbacks.
Managing the main rivers is the top priority, with the hope of diverting excess water to empty fields post-harvest to alleviate downstream flows. “People shouldn’t panic,” Mr. Thanet reassured. Despite the rising water levels, the situation in Bangkok is under control, thanks to efficient management plans.
However, the persistent precipitation continues to impact the upper northern provinces. Over 100 millimeters of rain was recorded in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Nan, and Phrae, further swelling the Yom and Nan river basins and exacerbating the flooding conditions.
In Sukhothai, efforts to control the water using the main sluice gate at Hat Saphan Chan have been somewhat successful, preventing overflow in several districts including Sri Satchanalai, Sri Samrong, and Muang. Despite these controls, over 70,000 rai of land in Sukhothai is submerged, with the worst damage in Sawankhalok district. The floodwaters have swept over fields and overwhelmed floodwalls, directing excess water into the expansive Bang Rakam field, which has a catchment capacity of 62 million cubic meters of water.
The Sukhothai flooded fields will be drained to prepare for more rainfall anticipated over the next month. The Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology has indicated that additional siphoning of water into irrigation canals from the Chao Phraya may be required to manage the situation effectively. With the harvest season slated to end in mid-September, more fields in the Central Plains region will soon become available to act as water catchment areas. The National Water Command will then designate the specific fields to be utilized for this purpose.
In Bangkok, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken steps to bolster defenses against the rising water levels by securing a donation of 50 fencing sheets to fortify the hydro fence along the Chao Phraya River. This measure aims to keep the water levels in check and protect the city against severe flooding.
Meanwhile, the downpour has had more consequences up north. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the temporary closure of five state-run clinics in Phrae due to the flooding. They are expected to reopen on September 2, resuming their essential services to the community.
This flood control effort seems way too reactive rather than proactive. Why didn’t the government plan better for this?
You can’t always predict nature! They’re doing their best under the circumstances.
Exactly, sometimes nature’s fury is too much to handle even with prior planning.
But still, there should have been better infrastructure in place considering it’s an annual problem.
I feel so bad for the farmers. This could ruin their entire year’s efforts.
Yeah, it’s a terrible situation but at least the government is looking at empty fields to manage excess water.
Hopefully, the government will provide some financial relief or insurance to help them recover.
I’m impressed by the efforts, particularly the securing of donation fencing sheets. It shows community spirit in times of crisis.
Does anyone know if tourists in Bangkok are being evacuated too? I have a friend visiting.
I don’t think there’s an evacuation yet. The situation is ‘under control’ they say.
Thanks, Tommy. I hope it stays that way!
Government should have warned us earlier. My fields are now useless.
I just hope they consider the environmental impact of these flood mitigation strategies.
It’s mind-blowing how much water they’re releasing from the barrage. 1,300 cubic meters per second!
Yeah, and imagine maintaining that rate for several days!
Exactly! That’s why these mitigation efforts are so necessary.
The infrastructure is handling it, which is reassuring.
People shouldn’t just rely on the government. Community efforts are also crucial.
Bangkok’s going to need a miracle to avoid flooding. 😔
It’s great that clinics in Phrae are set to reopen quickly. Public health shouldn’t be compromised even during floods.
True, but I wonder if the damage and recovery time will affect the quality of care.
Good point, Jillian. I hope they’re prepared for any contingencies.
The ongoing rains are just making things worse. When will it end?
It’s monsoon season, can’t expect it to be over anytime soon.
True, but it’s still frustrating.
I’ve been reading about overflow issues for years. Nothing changes.
The fact that they’re using hydro fences is so innovative!
Innovative but will it work? Only time will tell.
I guess it’s better than doing nothing at all.
Why doesn’t the government invest more in permanent flood defenses instead of these temporary measures?
Climate change is making these floods more frequent and severe. We need global action!
I hope the floodwaters don’t bring diseases along with them. Health risks can spike post floods.
My heart goes out to all affected. Stay strong, Bangkok!