Two of Khao Yai National Park’s cherished waterfalls have been temporarily closed due to severe flash floods in the eastern region. Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong officially announced on Tuesday that Takhro Falls and the Sai Yai River in Prachinburi were closed as of Monday. Following suit, the beloved Nang Rong Falls in Nakhon Nayok shut their grounds to visitors on Tuesday.
Local sources revealed that Na Di district in Prachinburi experienced relentless downpours, resulting in a sudden flood starting from the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids in the Sai Yai River. As the torrents surged, the rapids were deemed unsafe for rafting. Nearby communities faced immediate impacts, including Ban Saphan, where inundation struck the heart of Saphan Hin Subdistrict.
Amidst the rising waters, soldiers and rescue teams rapidly mobilized with boats to aid and evacuate residents and animals from the embattled village of about 200 households. Access routes to safer zones were entirely submerged, complicating the evacuation process.
Ruam Katanyu rescue unit chief, Ammarin Ruensri, emphasized that the evacuation crew is on high alert for potential flash floods, particularly in Prachatakham district nestled at Mount Khao Yai’s base. Monday night’s hour-long downpour had already heightened water levels, amplifying concerns for the days ahead.
In Trat province, the deluge also wreaked havoc, submerging homes in Khao Saming district and leading to the temporary closure of multiple schools. Floodwaters from the Khao Saming canal spilled into adjacent communities within the Khao Saming Municipal Area, with levels rising to a concerning 120 centimeters. The advancing water was forecasted to flow towards Khlong Tha Pradu, risking further upheaval.
The Provincial Meteorological Office reported an overwhelming rainfall of 3,086mm for the region up to July 28 this year—a staggering peak not seen in 32 years. Such unprecedented volumes underscore the pressing need for effective water management strategies.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to convene a crucial meeting next Monday at the Royal Irrigation Department headquarters. The summit will focus on devising comprehensive water management cooperation plans to curb the recurrence of devastating floods in vulnerable provinces across the kingdom. The discussions aim to forge sustainable solutions, safeguarding communities against the relentless force of nature.
This is just heartbreaking! Those waterfalls are national treasures! I hope they can reopen soon.
I agree, Eloise. But perhaps this is a wake-up call that we need more effective flood management strategies.
Absolutely! It’s not just about reopening sites but protecting them for the future.
Heartbreaking? More like a natural event. We need to stop romanticizing nature and start understanding it.
I’m more worried about the locals. It’s devastating that 200 households had to be evacuated.
Yes, the human toll is always the hardest part of these natural disasters.
True, Annie. But this also highlights the flaws in our disaster preparedness and response systems.
Maybe these floods are just nature’s way of resetting itself. Ecosystems need these events to remain balanced.
Flash floods are becoming more frequent. Isn’t it time we took climate change seriously?
Couldn’t agree more. Ignoring climate change is no longer an option.
It’s not just climate change; it’s a combination of deforestation and poor urban planning.
Props to the rescue teams! Their quick action probably saved lives. They deserve more recognition.
It’s sad but maybe necessary to shut down these areas temporarily. Safety first.
120 cm of water in Khao Saming is no joke. This is a public safety crisis, and we need to treat it as such.
Exactly. These aren’t just normal rainfalls anymore.
Yet another example of government negligence. What were they doing while these water levels rose?
It’s a tragedy for the wildlife as well. Imagine all the animals displaced or worse.
Don’t forget the plants! The entire ecosystem takes a hit.
Just read that the annual rainfall is the highest it’s been in 32 years. That’s alarming enough to warrant immediate action.
Climate data doesn’t lie. We need policies that reflect these changes.
If we keep having to shut down important natural areas, it’s going to hurt tourism in a big way.
Freddie, tourism won’t matter if there’s nothing left to see.
True enough, but tourism brings in much-needed revenue… It’s a double-edged sword.
Instead of just closing the parks, we should invest in better infrastructure to prevent these situations.
That would cost a lot of money though. Who’s going to pay for it?
Better to pay for prevention now than repairs later!
We can’t control nature, but we can be better prepared. I hope the government follows through with their meeting.
These regions are naturally prone to flooding. We need a realistic plan that considers the geographical challenges.
Exactly, we need plans based on hard science and not just quick fixes.
Deforestation in these areas exacerbates the problem. When will we learn?
It sounds like a tragic situation all around. Kudos to all the rescue workers and planners mobilizing on short notice.
I hope this prompts more conversations on sustainable living and conservation. We can’t keep fighting nature.
It’s not an easy conversation but a necessary one. We need to rethink our relationship with the environment.
Crazy weather patterns aren’t a fluke. It’s a global challenge. Who else is dealing with similar issues?
The evacuation must have been a nightmare. Real heroes emerging in times of crisis.