Ayutthaya Residents Demand Earlier Flood Warnings Amid Rising Waters
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AYUTTHAYA — Residents in low-lying communities in Ayutthaya have called for earlier flood warnings after rising water from the Chao Phraya River inundated homes and forced people to move belongings to higher ground.
The situation worsened after the Royal Irrigation Department increased water releases downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam, pushing river levels higher in Ayutthaya and causing water to spill into areas outside flood barriers.
As of 30 September, flooding had affected 13 districts, 167 subdistricts, 1,081 villages and 55 communities in Ayutthaya, affecting 42,286 households, according to the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. One death has been reported in Sena district.
In a community in Ban Pho subdistrict, Sena district, water from the Noi River, which receives flows from the Chao Phraya, spilled into the neighbourhood along with water from the Chao Chet-Bang Yi Hon canal.
Water levels rose to more than 1.70 metres, flooding the lower floors of homes. Some houses are built on raised foundations, but their lower areas are used as kitchens, living spaces and storage areas.
Access to the community has also been disrupted, with some roads submerged. The local administration has built temporary wooden walkways, while residents in deeper areas have had to wade through the water or use boats.
Residents said the community is regularly among the first areas to flood during the annual wet season, disrupting daily life and forcing vendors and workers to stop working.
One resident, Jenphop, 36, said water levels rose rapidly over three days this year, leaving some residents unable to move belongings and motorcycles in time.
He called for authorities to issue warnings earlier so residents in low-lying areas have more time to move valuables and prepare for rising water.
Another resident, Wanida, 47, said water levels in the community rose by 2–3 metres within several days. Her home, like many others in the area, has a raised lower floor that is normally flooded for about a month during the annual flood season.
She said flood relief and supplies sometimes fail to reach homes deep inside the community, while flooding also prevents customers from reaching local shops and leaves many residents without income.
Residents acknowledged that Ayutthaya is a low-lying area that receives water during the flood season, but said better planning and water management were needed as severe flooding has become a recurring disruption.
Another resident, Adis, 56, said water rose so quickly this year that his family and neighbours could not move all their belongings in time.
He said residents have had to wade through water nearly up to their necks to retrieve possessions from their homes, while building raised walkways as the water level continues to rise.
Residents are now calling on authorities to improve the flood warning system and provide alerts further in advance, allowing communities more time to move property, protect homes and prepare for future floods.
