Flood warnings for several areas - Bangkok Post

A sandbag wall along the bank of the rain-swollen Chao Phraya River near Rama VIII bridge in Bangkok. (photo: Apichart Jinakul) A flood warning has been issued for provinces facing the Chao Phraya River, as well as Phetchaburi, Chachoengsao and southern provinces, due to accumulated water and forecast rain.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said on Sunday that although water levels were declining in the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya river basins, accumulated rainwater continues to pose a flood risk.

Phetchaburi is at risk from water released by Kaeng Krachan dam, with more rain forecast for Phetchaburi and adjacent Prachuap Khiri Khan province next weekend.

Expected, increased rain next Saturday would also pose a flood risk in southern provinces, and for Chachoengsao province immediately east of Bangkok.

In the Central Plains, the Chao Phraya barrage on the Chao Phraya River in Chai Nat province was discharging water at 2,500 cubic metres per second on Sunday.

Communities near the river should closely monitor government announcements -  especially residents of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Parts of these provinces remained flooded.

For the Mae Klong River basin, flood alerts are out for Bang Khonthi and Amphawa districts of Samut Songkhram province. Parts of these districts remain inundated, but are being drained.

For Bangkok, Ms Lalida advised motorists to avoid flooded roads, namely Chao Khun Thahan, Chalong Krung, Luang Phaeng and Lat Krabang.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has also warned that heavy rain is possible throughout this week in the South.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on Sunday that flooding remained in Bangkok and 27 provinces  - Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum and Surin.

Nirat Pongsitthithaworn, director-general of the department, said floods affected about 3.26 million people. He blamed the situations on heavy rain and water from the North. The department reported that since Sept 16 the floods have killed 31 people, including four in Bangkok.