Chanthaburi Raises Red Alert as Major Flooding Hits Eight Districts
Chanthaburi raised its flood alert to red on September 27 as rapidly rising water levels threatened eight districts, with authorities evacuating residents from Klong Sao village after flash floods struck in under 10 minutes.
At 6 a.m. on September 27, the Chanthaburi Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office upgraded the alert level from yellow to red along the Chanthaburi River and key points around the city after water levels rose rapidly, approaching the critical threshold of 3.50 meters. Large volumes of water from Khao Khitchakut and Mueang districts have been flowing downstream continuously.
The office has warned residents along the Chanthaburi River, communities near Pakdee Ramphai Canal, downstream areas, and flood-prone zones in Mueang district to move valuables to higher ground and park vehicles in safe locations. The Royal Irrigation Department and related agencies are urgently opening floodgates on Pakdee Ramphai Canal to direct water out to sea.
In Klong Sao village, Tambon Khao Kaew, Tha Mai district, flash floods and sudden inundation struck after water from Kaeng Hang Maew district combined with heavy rainfall. Water surged into the community within 10 minutes. Rescue personnel and related agencies deployed six boats and jet skis to evacuate residents and transport them to evacuation centers, where food and drinking water were distributed. Locals described it as the most severe and fastest-moving flood in 15 years.
As of the latest update, Chanthaburi Province has been affected across eight districts, 29 subdistricts, 153 villages, and 936 households. Two deaths have been confirmed. Residents needing emergency assistance can contact the Chanthaburi Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office at 0-3931-2100 or 0-3932-5139, or call rescue services at 039-311-388, hotline 1784, or 191 available 24 hours.
