People living in low-lying areas and riparian communities not protected by floodwalls along the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong rivers in seven central provinces are being advised to prepare for river overflows between September 17 and 22, due to rising water levels and high tides.
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) reports that runoffs from northern provinces are flowing into the Chao Phraya River at a rate of 2,224m3/s, as measured in Nakhon Sawan. This, combined with an additional inflow of 102m3/s from the Sakae Krang River, have made it necessary for irrigation officials to increase the discharge of water from the swollen Chao Phraya River into the western and eastern branches, while maintaining the rate of discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam at 2,000m3/s.
Surasee Kidtimonton, secretary-general of the ONWR, says this will increase the water level in Tha Chin River and, compounded by high tides, the river will overflow and flood low-lying areas in Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon provinces.
He noted that the Tha Chin River is vital for water management in the central region before the water flows into the Gulf of Thailand, adding that, in recent years, increased sedimentation and the meandering course of the river have slowed the flow of water and increased the risk of flooding.
According to the Hydrographic Department, high tides are anticipated from tomorrow until next Monday and these will cause overflows of the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong rivers.
Riverside communities, especially those unprotected by floodwalls in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Songkhram, are at risk of flooding.
