Thailand Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding in Multiple Regions

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning for potential waterlogging, flash floods, and landslides, following the intensification of the southwest monsoon and the presence of a monsoon trough across the country. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has instructed irrigation projects nationwide to prepare for the water situation by assigning personnel to vulnerable areas and promptly repairing any damage to irrigation structures. Residents are advised to remain vigilant against heavy rainfall and accumulation that may lead to flash floods and flooding, particularly along waterways near foothills and low-lying areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has received a warning from the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) to be vigilant of potential waterlogging, flash floods, and landslides due to the intensification of the southwest monsoon and the presence of a monsoon trough.
  • Regions at risk of heavy rainfall include North, Northeast, Central, East, and South of Thailand, with areas such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, and Phuket expecting heavy to very heavy showers.
  • The RID has instructed irrigation projects nationwide to prepare for the water situation by assigning personnel to vulnerable areas and promptly repairing any damage to irrigation structures.
  • People are advised to remain vigilant against heavy rainfall and accumulation that may lead to flash floods and flooding, particularly along waterways near foothills and low-lying areas.
  • Farmers are urged to take precautions to protect their crops from damage.
  • Residents should also take care of their health due to the unpredictable weather.
  • The Thai Meteorological Department has forecasted more rain, including isolated heavy to very heavy downpours, across Thailand from May 23 to 27.

Statistics:

  • The regions at risk of heavy rainfall include: North (15 provinces), Northeast (20 provinces), Central (9 provinces), East (8 provinces), and South (11 provinces).
  • The areas expecting heavy to very heavy showers include: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, and Phuket.
  • The forecasted heavy to very heavy rain is expected to occur in multiple regions from May 23 to 27.
  • The waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach around two meters in height, while waves between one and two meters are expected in the lower Andaman Sea.

Sources:

  • Royal Irrigation Department (RID)
  • Office of National Water Resources (ONWR)
  • Thai Meteorological Department Weather's Advisory No 2