05 Oct 2022 | 03:01 PM UTC
Thailand: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across many parts of the country as of Oct. 5
Widespread flood risk continues across much of Thailand as of Oct. 5. Thousands displaced; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Flooding continues to affect many areas nationwide as of Oct. 5. Heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Typhoon Noru has been ongoing across much of the country since late September, causing river levels and dams to reach dangerously high levels. Authorities have reported that more than 41,000 households across Thailand have been affected by the flooding and more than 13,000 people have been displaced. Northern and central regions have been the worst affected by the floods. Three people died and two others were injured amid flooding and strong winds in Sisskaet Province in late September. Muang District in Chang Mai Province has experienced severe flooding due to the overflowing Ping River and more than 13,000 people in Ubon Ratchathani Province have been moved into 74 emergency shelters after the Moon River broke its banks. Around 500 people have also been displaced in Lopburi Province and thousands of residents along the Chao Phraya River have been affected in Nakhon Sawan and Sing Buri provinces.
Flooding was also reported in parts of Bangkok Oct. 3 and authorities in the capital have warned that a combination of floodwaters arriving from northern catchment areas and additional sustained rainfall could trigger further flooding in the metropolitan area. Authorities are reinforcing flood defenses in the city and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has asked private company employees to work from home to avoid traffic congestion Oct. 5-7. At least four of the country's major dams are over capacity and many more are approaching critical levels; officials may have to authorize the release of water from dams into already high rivers to prevent them from possible collapse.
The Thai Meteorological Department has not issued any weather warnings; however, isolated heavy rainfall is forecast over parts of northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southern Thailand Oct. 5-8, with lesser amounts over far northern regions. Further isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is forecast in northern and northeastern regions Oct. 9-11 and monsoon rains could continue to impact the whole country in the coming days. The department has warned people in south-central, eastern, and southern regions to beware of flash flooding and overflowing rivers due to rising levels in upstream catchment areas. Further spells of heavy rain could hamper recovery efforts and exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous floodwaters.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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 flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
