BANGKOK, Thailand – Residents in eight Thai provinces have been warned to remain on 24-hour alert for heavy to very heavy rain, flash floods and landslides as authorities step up preparations for severe weather during the rainy season.

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The Disaster Geohazards Operation Centre announced yesterday that the warning covers Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Kanchanaburi and Prachin Buri. Residents were advised to take particular care if rainfall exceeds 100 millimetres in 24 hours, as such conditions could trigger flash floods and landslides. People in low-lying and flood-prone areas were urged to move belongings, appliances and livestock to higher ground or other safe locations, and to watch for muddy water or large amounts of debris flowing downstream. Authorities also advised against crossing waterways or fishing during heavy rain, and instructed residents to monitor conditions upstream and downstream around the clock to allow timely evacuations.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the capital was closely monitoring flood-prone areas, particularly construction sites for mass-transit and infrastructure projects that could obstruct drainage. Although rainfall and flooding in Bangkok have generally remained below average this year, the city would not lower its guard, he said. One area of concern is Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, particularly the Vibhavadi drainage ditch, where construction could temporarily block or divert waterways. If unexpectedly heavy rain occurs, authorities may need to quickly reopen drainage channels to prevent water from accumulating. Other areas requiring close monitoring include mass-transit construction sites, unfinished drainage gates and canal and wastewater-treatment projects on the Thon Buri side. Chadchart has instructed agencies to inspect construction sites and remove obstacles to water flow, and where waterways cannot be fully opened, sufficient pumps must be deployed to compensate and prevent flooding.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the Mekong River in Bueng Kan had risen to 12 metres as of 8am yesterday, reaching the province’s yellow-flag warning level but remaining below the riverbank. Authorities are maintaining 24-hour monitoring and have warned residents in four districts along the Mekong — Muang, Pak Khat, Bueng Khla and Bueng Khong Long — to remain vigilant. In Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong is also rising and could overflow into low-lying areas between August 10 and 14, with residents advised to move belongings and vehicles to higher ground.

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The government has ordered northern provinces to establish 24-hour emergency operation centres. Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat instructed agencies to take a proactive approach, with personnel, machinery and water pumps ready for immediate deployment. Provinces facing resource shortages can request support from the military and regional disaster-prevention centres as the region braces for further downpours in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall across upper Thailand through the week, with the monsoon trough expected to remain active over the northern and northeastern regions, heightening the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

-Thailand News (TN)