Residents in 48 provinces, including the bustling capital of Bangkok, have been put on high alert for possible heavy rain and subsequent flash floods expected from this Friday until September 18. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) took to Facebook to issue this stern warning, saying that the northern monsoon trough will descend upon upper Thailand during this period. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon is predicted to intensify, bringing more rainfall—and in some areas, very heavy downpours.
If you live in flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to prepare for potential flooding and runoff during this timeframe. Flash floods are anticipated to impact 13 provinces in the North, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak, among others. The same flooding threat looms over 13 provinces in the Northeast like Loei, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. Further down, 8 provinces in the Central Plain, including Bangkok and its nearby provinces, are also expected to face the deluge. Not to be left out, provinces in the East and South such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Phuket, and Krabi will likely see severe weather as well.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department added another layer of urgency to these warnings, revealing that former typhoon Yagi has already wreaked havoc on northern Thailand, resulting in floods and landslides that claimed four lives. Tragically, two people lost their lives in a landslide in Chiang Mai province, while another two fatalities were reported in Chiang Rai, close to the Myanmar border.
The Thai Meteorological Department echoed these concerns, warning that the heavy rain would persist until next Tuesday, heightening the risk of flash floods. “Between September 13-17, please exercise extreme caution due to the potential danger from heavy to very heavy rainfall,” advised the forecaster.
The national emergency operations centre released shocking statistics that 29 people have already died in rain-related disasters since the start of the season. This alarming figure serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that severe weather can bring.
So, if you’re in one of these precariously positioned provinces, make sure to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts. Secure your homes, create an emergency kit, and have an evacuation plan ready. It’s not just about preparing for the storm, but about being fully equipped to weather it safely. Remember, a well-prepared community is often a resilient one.
In the meantime, let’s hope that the ONWR’s warnings are heeded and that communities can stay safe during this potentially perilous period. After all, Mother Nature waits for no one, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
I can’t believe we still don’t have an effective flood management system in place. How many lives need to be lost before something changes?
Totally agree! It’s ridiculous. Bangkok floods every year, and it’s the same old story.
It’s not just Bangkok. The entire infrastructure in the country needs an overhaul!
While I agree we need better systems, it’s not just about the government. People need to prepare too!
This weather change is so unsettling. Climate change is hitting us hard. How long before we start taking it seriously?
We’re already too late! We should have taken action years ago. Now we just have to deal with the consequences.
I think we still have time if we act now, but we need a global effort.
Any tips on how to prepare for such heavy rains? My family and I are new to Bangkok and pretty worried.
Get an emergency kit ready, keep some sandbags at home, and make sure you have a clear evacuation route.
Grace, also make sure to stay updated on weather forecasts. Get alerts on your phone.
Thank you, everyone! This is really helpful information. We need to prepare ASAP.
This is a sign that we need to move towards more sustainable living to reduce such severe weather impacts.
I am really concerned about the elderly and disabled residents. They are often forgotten in these disaster plans.
You’re so right. We need community-based support systems to help those who can’t help themselves.
It’s a good idea to check on your neighbors and offer help if they need it.
Remember folks, it’s not the time to be adventurous. If they say evacuate, please do it.
Shouldn’t the government start implementing flood defenses like the ones in the Netherlands?
The scale and budget for such projects are enormous. Don’t think our government wants to invest that much.
True, but what’s the cost of human lives? We need to rethink our priorities.
This is why I’m advocating for better environmental policies. The current measures just aren’t enough.
Exactly! We need stricter policies and regulations to minimize such disasters.
Government measures won’t do much without public cooperation though.
Flash floods are terrifying. The media needs to focus more on educating people about preparation and safety.
Media only cares about sensational stories and ratings. Sadly, education doesn’t sell.
Exactly Olivia! Better public awareness can save lives.
I’m just curious, do these rains really happen every year around this time? Or is this an exceptional case?
I’ve seen a lot of panic, but let’s remember to help each other. Community spirit can make a big difference.
In my country, we face similar issues. Government cooperation and responsible behavior from citizens are both necessary for managing such crises.
I remember when the flood in ‘84 hit us. People were helping each other without a second thought. We need that spirit again.
That kind of community spirit could really make a difference now!
The economic impact of these floods is staggering. Small businesses are suffering the most.
As a frequent traveler to Thailand, I’m shocked at how ill-prepared the cities are for this kind of weather. It’s not safe for tourists either.
Tourists often ignore weather warnings, which makes the situation worse.
The tourism industry needs to be more responsible and provide clear guidelines during such weather.
Governments should focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary relief measures.