Bangkok, 10 provinces placed on alert as Chao Phraya River rises

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Bangkok and 10 other provinces have been placed on alert for rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) warned that release of water from the Chao Phraya Dam that began on Thursday (Aug 11) would affect levels in the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers.

The 11 provinces affected are Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan.

The DDPM said it was closely monitoring water levels in the rivers and would issue flood warnings to local residents if necessary.

It also instructed local authorities to check river embankments and ensure staff and equipment including water pumps were on standby 24 hours a day.

The Royal Irrigation Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain until Saturday in the North, swelling the Chao Phraya River.

The department estimates the Chao Phraya Dam will receive 1,400-1,600 cubic metres of water per second, requiring it to release 1,000-1,400m3/s.

It said communities located close to the river in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya can expect the water to rise by 0.2-0.6 metres from Thursday onwards.

The department will update the warning when the dam flow rises above 1,400m3/s.

For updates or to report flooding, visit the Thai Disaster Alert mobile app, contact the 1784 hotline or use Line ID @1784DDPM.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the Chao Phraya River level would remain under control if there was no more heavy rain following tropical storm Mulan.

The Chao Phraya Dam level was worrying though manageable, he added.