Floods Affect Over 2.6 Million Across Thailand, 22 Dead

Flooding is affecting more than 2.6 million people across 29 provinces and all 50 districts of Bangkok, with 22 deaths reported, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said on 29 September. DDPM director-general Teerapat Kachamat said heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas, combined with water flowing south from the North and joining floodwaters in the Central region, has led to widespread flooding. As of 06:00 on 29 September, flooding was reported across 29 provinces, affecting 167 districts, 890 subdistricts, 5,077 villages, 940,300 households and 2,602,309 people, according to the DDPM’s Emergency Operation Centre. Flooding reported across 29 provinces The affected provinces are Tak, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin. Cell Broadcast warnings issued The DDPM issued several emergency warnings on Tuesday through the Cell Broadcast Service, warning residents in flood-risk areas of rising water levels and overflowing rivers. At around 12:30, warnings were sent to residents in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon over rising water levels and the Mae Klong River overflowing its banks. Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi warned of rising water In Kanchanaburi, residents in Sai Yok, Dan Makham Tia, Mueang Kanchanaburi, Tha Muang and Tha Maka districts, particularly those living near waterways and in low-lying areas, were told to move belongings to higher ground and relocate vehicles to safe areas. In Ratchaburi, residents in Ban Pong, Photharam, Mueang Ratchaburi, Bang Phae, Damnoen Saduak, Wat Phleng and Pak Tho districts were warned of the Mae Klong River overflowing its banks. Residents living along the river and canals were urged to evacuate immediately, move belongings to higher ground and cut electricity in low-lying areas. Bangkok reinforces flood barriers The DDPM also issued warnings for areas along Khlong Hok Wa Sai Lang on the border of Pathum Thani, as well as Sai Mai, Khlong Sam Wa and Nong Chok districts of Bangkok, after water was detected overflowing flood barriers. Bangkok authorities are urgently reinforcing temporary flood barriers, while the DDPM is working with mobile network operators AIS, True and NT to send emergency SMS alerts to residents in affected areas. Prachin Buri remains critical In Prachin Buri, the DDPM issued another Cell Broadcast warning in the afternoon as water levels in the Prachin River continued to rise. Residents living near the river, in low-lying areas and other flood-risk locations were told to evacuate to shelters immediately and move their vehicles to safe areas. Flooding in Wang Dan subdistrict, Kabin Buri district, remained critical, with authorities issuing a second evacu