Bangkok: The National Water Resources Office has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in upper Thailand until July 8, urging residents to be cautious of potential flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in several areas. Additionally, three major reservoirs have surpassed their maximum capacity, prompting further concern.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Water Resources Management Committee (NWRC) has reiterated the warning due to a monsoon trough passing over Northern Thailand and upper Laos, linked to the severe tropical storm "Maysak." This, combined with a strong southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, is expected to lead to significant rainfall in parts of upper Northern Thailand, upper Northeastern Thailand, and Eastern Thailand from July 6-9. As the monsoon trough moves northward, it will continue to impact Northern and upper Northeastern Thailand, while rainfall in Central, Eastern, and Southern Thailand is predicted to decrease.
The NWRC has issued alerts for areas at risk of heavy rainfall until July 8, specifically in the provinces of Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Trat, Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, and Satun. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for potential flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and urban flooding due to inadequate drainage systems. Recent data shows that Trat province experienced the heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 133 millimeters, followed by Narathiwat, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Phanom, Kanchanaburi, and Nakhon Pathom.
There is also a critical need to monitor large reservoirs in the northern region, specifically Mae Ngat Reservoir, Kiu Lom Reservoir, and Mae Chang Reservoir, which have exceeded their maximum storage capacity. Furthermore, 33 medium-sized reservoirs across various regions are holding more than 80% of their capacity, necessitating vigilant management of water resources.
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRA) emphasizes the importance of staying informed through weather forecasts and updates from government agencies, especially for those residing in high-risk areas, and urges compliance with official instructions to ensure safety.