In the wake of an excessive water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, Ayutthaya, a historically rich city in Thailand, is buckling under an expansive flood. As of this moment, this has wreaked havoc on an alarmingly high figure of approximately 11,950 households, not to mention an array of cultural and educational institutions, and productive fruit farms. Despite being the third day in a row, the dam shows no signs of reducing its water discharge, maintaining a rate of 1,800 cubic metres per second. This persistent high-volume outflow has propelled the water levels in the Chao Phraya River through Ayutthaya to considerable heights, and consequently inflating the volume in its tributaries.
The immediate surroundings of Wat Ko Phai in the Bang Luang Dod sub-district along with the Bang Ban district of Ayutthaya and its adjoining communities bear the brunt heavily as the Bang Luang Canal spills over its banks. This has compelled the water level to increment between 10 to 15 centimetres daily culminating into flooding of residences, temples, schools, and community health destinations, with water levels rising continuously.
Projections from the Thailand Meteorological Department suggest a persistent downpour for the upcoming week, with the most extreme rainfall anticipated from October 20 to October 22 across various regions. Varied provinces such as Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani, are currently simmering under disastrous flooding, with aid operations for the affected residents in full swing. Contrarily, Thailand’s meteorological situation remains grim with incessant rainfall and 38 provinces still trapped under a heavy rain warning.
The adverse effects of Ayutthaya flooding on educational infrastructure are clearly manifested in the visually disheartening pictures captured, brought to you courtesy of KhaoSod. As per the data from the Ayutthaya Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, water levels are visibly peaking in the Chao Phraya River and its subsidiary water bodies. This soaring water level is breaching their banks and engulfing the ground floors of riverside residences, even outdoing the flood barriers.
With this onslaught, no less than nine districts, and a staggering figure of 70 sub-districts along with 11,950 households find themselves grappling with the floodwater. The hardest struck regions include Sena, Bang Ban, Phak Hai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bang Sai, Bang Pahan, Maha Rat, and Bang Pa-in districts. On the agriculture front, five sub-districts and 13 villages are worst affected. The damage extends to about 56 farmers as it is predicted that agricultural land covering an area of approximately 53.525 hectares is likely to be damaged. This includes 17.375 hectares of vegetable/farm crops and 36.15 hectares of fruit/perennial trees. Schools too continue to be enveloped by the rising floodwaters in Ayutthaya, as reported by KhaoSod.
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