Bangkok – The Royal Irrigation Department has escalated water discharges from the Chao Phraya Dam to 800 cubic meters per second starting today, warning 11 central provinces to prepare for potential flooding as Tropical Storm Wipha dumps heavy rainfall across watershed areas. Officials caution that discharge rates could surge to 1,200 m³/s in coming days, compounding risks from predicted 30cm tidal surges in the Chao Phraya estuary later this week.

Tropical Storm Wipha to Bring Heavy Rains, Flood Risks Across Thailand

The controlled releases, aimed at preventing reservoir overflows, are already elevating downstream river levels by 20-80cm, with critical impact expected along the Phong Pheng Canal in Ang Thong and Bang Barn Canal in Ayutthaya. The National Water Resources Office issued parallel alerts for nighttime high tides from July 23-28, which may push water levels dangerously higher during peak tidal periods between 8-11pm.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has activated a 24-hour emergency “war room” to coordinate flood response across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and other vulnerable provinces along the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong river basins. The command center will synchronize efforts between disaster agencies and local governments, with real-time public updates on water conditions.

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“These are preventive measures, but residents in low-lying areas must remain vigilant,” stated an Irrigation Department spokesperson, noting that the combined effects of storm runoff and lunar tides create unprecedented pressure on flood control systems. Provincial authorities are mobilizing sandbags and pumps, particularly in historic flood zones like Ayutthaya’s ancient city complex.

Meteorologists attribute the crisis to an intensified southwest monsoon interacting with Wipha’s remnants, with some central plains areas forecast to receive 200mm of rainfall within 48 hours. The crisis echoes 2011’s catastrophic floods, though officials insist current water management infrastructure is significantly improved.

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Residents along at-risk waterways are advised to secure property and monitor official channels for evacuation notices, as Thailand braces for nature’s one-two punch of torrential rains and king tides.

-Thailand News (TN)