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Heavy Rains Loom Over North Thailand: ONWR Chief Surasee Kittimonthon Issues Warning

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The authorities have issued a fresh warning for more wet weather sweeping in from Tuesday to Thursday, signaling yet another bout of heavy rains for the already flood-weary upper North. Residents in areas that have been reeling from the deluge over the past few weeks are advised to brace themselves. According to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) secretary-general, Surasee Kittimonthon, parts of the North, the Central Plains, the East, and even Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are forecast to experience heavy downpours and gusty winds. This weather havoc is attributed to a high-pressure trough making its presence felt in the region.

Adding to the tension, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has echoed similar sentiments. Residents, especially those in the upper northern provinces of Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan, as well as lower northern provinces like Phetchabun and Sukhothai, should brace for potential repeat downpours on Monday. Somkwan Tanjan, the director of the TMD’s forecast division, has reported that these heavy rains are projected to strike these areas over the next couple of days before tapering off by Friday.

The cascading effect of this torrential weather is being particularly felt downstream in low-lying provinces. Ang Thong and Ayutthaya stand as prime examples, with Bang Ban and Sena districts of Ayutthaya especially vulnerable due to the aggressive water discharge from the Chao Phraya barrage dam in Chai Nat. This dam is expediting water release to accommodate the impending rains, exacerbating the situation in these prone areas.

Yet, amidst the relentless downpours, there is a silver lining. The significant rainfall is contributing to the replenishment of water reserves in major dams up North. For instance, the Bhumibol Dam in Tak now stands at 61% of its capacity, while the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit impressively reaches 91%. “It’s looking good,” assured Mr. Somkwan, indicating that the upcoming rains will likely push these levels even higher.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai faces its own set of troubles. The bustling city center and its suburbs are grappling with the aftermath of days of heavy rain, leading to severe flooding. The Ping River, flowing near the city’s downtown, has measured a critical but stable water level of 3.45 meters on Monday. While some semblance of stability offers a glimmer of hope, vast swathes of the city and its outskirts are bogged down with stagnant and increasingly putrid floodwater, a testament to six relentless days of rain.

As the region braces for this new wave of inclement weather, families and local businesses are left in a precarious balancing act—between the mercy of nature and the resilience of the community. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. After all, the storm is not just a test of nature’s fury but a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who endure it.

38 Comments

  1. Anna Lee September 30, 2024

    I live in Chiang Mai and this is the worst I’ve ever seen it. The government needs to prioritize better infrastructure to handle these floods!

    • Jonas K September 30, 2024

      Totally agree, Anna! It’s like they’re always caught off guard. Where’s the planning?

      • Anna Lee September 30, 2024

        Exactly, Jonas. We pay taxes and it’s our right to have proper flood defenses.

      • DamianT September 30, 2024

        Maybe this is all part of a bigger climate change issue? No amount of infrastructure will fix that.

    • GreenEarth September 30, 2024

      Better infrastructure is good, but we also need to invest in sustainable solutions to absorb extra water, like more green spaces.

      • Anna Lee September 30, 2024

        Good point, but it’s not just about green spaces. We need a comprehensive plan.

  2. Alex September 30, 2024

    Is it just me or does anyone else think that Surasee Kittimonthon is just stating the obvious? We all know it’s going to rain heavily!

    • Mila Trent September 30, 2024

      Yeah, but it’s still their job to keep us updated. Not everyone is aware of the weather forecasts all the time.

      • Alex September 30, 2024

        Fair enough, Mila. But it feels repetitive. We need actionable advice, not just warnings.

      • HenryD September 30, 2024

        It’s important to remember that not everyone has access to real-time updates. Repetition ensures the message spreads.

    • BrookLyn September 30, 2024

      Totally agree, Alex. All talk, no action. What’s the plan after they warn us?

  3. Sam R. September 30, 2024

    Floods are natural, but the damage could be minimized if people stop building in floodplains!

    • Lucy H. September 30, 2024

      Tell that to the developers. They’ll put up condos anywhere!

    • Sam R. September 30, 2024

      Exactly, Lucy. It’s all about profit, not people’s safety.

  4. EcoWarrior67 September 30, 2024

    This is a wake-up call about climate change! We need to change our ways before it’s too late.

    • Skeptic77 September 30, 2024

      These are just seasonal rains. Don’t blow it out of proportion.

    • EcoWarrior67 September 30, 2024

      Seasonal or not, the intensity is increasing. Climate change isn’t about one event.

    • Skeptic77 September 30, 2024

      The climate has always changed throughout history. This is no different.

  5. Mandy September 30, 2024

    While it’s terrible for those affected, the increased dam levels are a silver lining. We won’t face water shortages.

    • RainMan September 30, 2024

      True, Mandy. Silver linings are important when dealing with natural disasters.

    • Mandy September 30, 2024

      We just have to find balance in managing these situations.

  6. Craig Daniels September 30, 2024

    Why isn’t more being done to help those downstream? It seems like the response is always too little, too late.

    • John Smith October 1, 2024

      Government’s always reactive, never proactive. It’s frustrating.

  7. Sophie L. October 1, 2024

    Seeing Ayutthaya and lower northern provinces flooded repeatedly calls for some serious intervention. Evacuations should be organized earlier.

  8. NatureNerd October 1, 2024

    I wonder how the wildlife in these areas are coping with the constant flooding. They must be suffering too.

  9. Aaron Michaels October 1, 2024

    It’s heartbreaking to see people suffer, but if these rains help fill up our dams, it might be a long-term benefit we can’t overlook.

    • Helen K. October 1, 2024

      Aaron, but at what cost? People’s homes and lives are at stake.

    • Aaron Michaels October 1, 2024

      I get it, Helen, but with proper management, we can turn this into a positive in the long run.

  10. Lisa October 1, 2024

    Why isn’t there better coordination with the Meteorological Department to manage dam discharges more effectively?

  11. Kevin B. October 1, 2024

    The floods are devastating, but at least local businesses come together to help. That’s the spirit we’re proud of.

    • Crystal October 1, 2024

      Absolutely, Kevin! Communities rallying together shows the best of humanity.

  12. Jenny October 1, 2024

    Residents should also take some responsibility. Building homes in high-risk areas always ends in disaster.

  13. Ravi October 1, 2024

    With better technology, how come the government isn’t doing more to predict and mitigate these floods?

  14. Matt G. October 1, 2024

    Is anyone else concerned that this could damage the tourism industry? Chiang Mai is a huge tourist spot.

    • Ella M October 1, 2024

      Definitely, Matt. Tourists will think twice before visiting during the rainy season.

  15. Xiao Ling October 1, 2024

    All these floods make me wonder about the long-term impact on agriculture in Thailand. Farmers must be really affected.

    • Zara October 1, 2024

      Yes, farming communities must be struggling. Crop failures could become more common.

    • Xiao Ling October 1, 2024

      Farmers need more support and resources to adapt to these changes.

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