25 Aug 2022 | 09:27 AM UTC
Thailand: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Aug. 28
Severe weather forecast across much of Thailand through at least Aug. 28. Flooding and transport and business disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast across most of Thailand through at least Aug. 28, bringing a threat of flash flooding and overflowing rivers across the country. As of Aug. 25, The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall through at least Aug. 28, with the heaviest rainfall Aug. 25-26. Flash floods and floods are possible, especially in low-lying areas and areas close to water bodies.
Authorities have warned of possible flooding in Lop Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Bangkok provinces from Aug. 27 due to the release of water from Pa Sak Jolasid Dam increasing the water level of the Chao Phraya River.
Flooding in Nakhon Nayok Province has damaged structures and submerged portions of Highway 3049. Portions of Udon Thani Province flooded early Aug. 25, resulting in traffic disruptions. Flooding Aug. 15-23 has resulted in at least three fatalities and 14,657 affected households across 28 provinces.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
