Communities along the Chao Phraya River in 10 central provinces, including Bangkok, have been warned to prepare for potential flooding starting Saturday. The Royal Irrigation Department plans to increase water released through the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,000 cubic meters per second (m³/s), as water levels rise due to increased flow from upstream.
Local authorities have been instructed to inspect embankments and keep resources and personnel on standby to handle any flooding. According to the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the water flow through Nakhon Sawan is expected to reach 2,000-2,100m³/s, plus an additional 100m³/s from the Sakae Krung River.
To minimize the risk of sudden flooding, the excess water will be drained gradually. Besides Bangkok, other affected provinces include Uthai Thani, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan.
Officials and residents are on high alert, with preparations underway to mitigate the potential impact of rising waters.
