07 Oct 2021 | 06:03 AM UTC
Thailand: Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding forecast across Thailand through at least Oct. 11
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding forecast across Thailand through at least Oct. 11. Disruptions likely.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding are forecast to continue across Thailand through at least Oct. 11. As of Oct. 7, authorities have warned of heavy rain and possible flooding across the Northeast, Central, Eastern, Southeast Coast, and Southwest Coast regions. Red (the highest level on a two-tier scale) heavy rain warnings are in place for the Southwest Coast Region while yellow heavy rain warnings have been issued for the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
People residing along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok are advised to be vigilant for possible flooding through at least Oct. 10. Water is being rapidly discharged from the Kaeng Krachan Reservoir in Phetchaburi Province as well as the Pran Buri and Huai Sai Ngam reservoirs in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, increasing the risk of flooding downstream. Further heavy rainfall over the coming days is likely to exacerbate the situation.
Since Sept. 23, at least 299,704 households have been affected by flooding in 32 provinces across Thailand. As of early Oct. 7, 99,342 households from Ang Thong, Chainat, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Pathum Thani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Ubon Ratchathani, and Uthai Thani provinces are still affected. Authorities have confirmed at least nine deaths, including six from Lopburi Province.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Further urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Gulf of Thailand if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Although a secondary concern, the threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that has mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing insect and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
