Bangkok: The government is using GISTDA satellite data to simulate flooding in Nan province, helping to assess and respond to the situation. The initiative aims to identify at-risk areas and inform decisions regarding evacuation plans.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is advancing in the use of geospatial data and satellite technology to preemptively assess and simulate disaster scenarios. Recently, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) developed a flood simulation model for the Mueang Nan district, predicting conditions if the water level at station N.1, in front of the Forestry Office in Nai Wiang subdistrict, rises to 201.50 meters above mean sea level (MSL). As of 10:00 PM, water levels at this station have already surpassed 200 meters above MSL.
The simulation highlights potentially affected areas if water levels reach 201.50 meters above MSL, using a color-coded system for easy interpretation by the public and relevant agencies. Light blue indicates water levels below 0.5-1 meter, ranging up to dark red, which signifies depths above 5 meters, typically found along waterways and low-lying regions near riverbanks.
Additionally, the map provides crucial information regarding transportation routes, water sources, buildings, schools, and hospitals. Such comprehensive data facilitates informed decision-making, enabling authorities to identify high-risk areas, choose alternative routes, relocate people and property to safer locations, and plan evacuations and rescue operations in advance.
"This simulation gives the public vital information for decision-making, clearly showing which areas might be affected if water levels rise and approximately how high the water will be. This allows them to prepare and decide on evacuation in advance, without having to wait for the situation to occur before taking action," stated the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister.
Captain Patthadarasmi emphasized that this use of satellite and geospatial data exemplifies the approach the government promotes under the development of "Digital Twin Thailand." This initiative seeks to progress from using maps to merely identify locations, to utilizing data to simulate potential events, allowing more timely and precise preparation and decision-making by both the government and the public.
The simulation serves as a model for assessing potential scenarios and does not guarantee that the entire mapped area will experience flooding. The public is advised to use this information for preparedness while closely monitoring water levels and local authority warnings. Additional disaster information is available on the GISTDA website to aid in timely monitoring, preparation, and evacuation planning.