Sukhuthai,  the ancient city that hosts some of Thailand’s most important historical ruins, has been warned of possible flooding as northern run-off is running down the Yom river  a massive volume, Royal Irrigation Department director general Thongplew Kongchan said.

As of this morning, run-off was running past Song district of Phrae province at the rate of 1,350 cubic metres per second, the Mae Yom dam 1,116 cu/m per second, Muang district of Phrae 900 cu/m per second and Wang Chin district of Phrae 900 cu/m per second.

The run-off is expected to flow past Si Satchanalai district of Sukhothai province at 850 cu/m per second on Aug 21.

Mr Thongplew said preparations have been made to divert water to both sides of the Yom river as Sukhothai, a low-lying area home to many historical sites and major tourist attractions, is highly prone to flooding.

The RID director general said he had coordinated with the governors of provinces along the Yom river to prepare such equipment as water pumps and excavators to cope with flooding.

He said the Sukhothai Municipality is particularly vulnerable to flooding.  Special attention should be given to the provincial hospital and economic zones, he added.

Pipat Ekpapan, the Sukhothai governor, said the massive run-off is expected to reach Sukhothai on Aug 22. The province’s disaster prevention and mitigation plan will be fully implemented.