The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a grave warning to 11 provinces in Central Thailand as they attempt to manage the fallout from super Typhoon Yagi. They have announced an increased water discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam, which is expected to cause rising water levels and potential flooding problems, especially in low-lying community areas.
Important to note, the provinces at risk include Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. This dire situation is a result of heavy rainfall anticipated over the next week.
Acting director of RID, Det Lekwichai, announced the warning on a recent Saturday. He stated the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge rate in Chai Nat is planned to be ramped up from 300 cubic meters per second to 1,500-1,700 cubic meters per second due to the impending downpour.
Furthermore, the water level along the river is predicted to rise from the current level of about 20–50cm, especially affecting areas near the Phong Phaeng Canal in Ang Thong and two districts in Ayutthaya, which include Phak Hai and Sena. A massive discharge of at least 1,600 cubic meters per second is expected to surge past the water station in Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district by Thursday.
Though the RID is authorised to discharge up to 2,000 cubic metres per second, they intend to take a cautious approach, increasing the rate gradually, according to Mr. Det. The department is also preparing to inform residents living along the Chao Phraya River in advance as they gear up for continued rainfall, an aftermath of the super typhoon Yagi.
The Thai Meteorological Department reported that Yagi, so far the most potent storm in Asia this year, had hit Vietnam that Saturday. It is projected to downgrade into a tropical storm then depression over time.
While Thailand will not feel the direct impact of Yagi, the storm is forecasted to bring severe rainfall and significant wind gusts to the upper Northeastern and northern regions of Thailand until Tuesday. This weather event could lead to flash floods in certain mountainous areas, namely the hillsides in Nan, Chiang Rai, and Phayao.
