Three Northern Provinces Ordered to Prepare for Flash Floods
Thailand's deputy prime minister ordered three northern provinces to prepare for potential flash floods following forecasts of heavy August rains and thunderstorms that could trigger flooding and river overflow.
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who also serves as Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister and chairs the northern regional flood and drought prevention committee, signed an urgent order to the three provincial governors on Tuesday following a Meteorological Department forecast warning of thunderstorms, isolated heavy rain and strong winds in August that could trigger flash floods, forest runoff and river overflow.
The committee has mandated eight immediate measures: closely monitor conditions and coordinate with upstream areas and neighbouring provinces, focusing on flood-prone communities and key transport routes; improve warning speed and accuracy through Cell Broadcast alerts and local communication channels; pre-position personnel, boats and water pumps in high-risk areas with a KA-32 helicopter on standby for evacuations; prepare temporary shelters with adequate supplies and health care; provide continuous updates on river levels and warnings for residents and tourists; establish incident command centres if flooding occurs; survey and record damage for fair relief payments; and coordinate with local Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry agencies to support response efforts around the clock.
The measures were issued under the Prime Minister's Office Order No. 275/2026, which established five regional flood and drought prevention committees to accelerate relief efforts.
