Floods reported across northeast due to low pressure front

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Floods reported across northeast due to low pressure front

 

 

NAKHON PANOM, 17 July 2018 (NNT) – Floods have hit seven provinces of the northeastern region of Thailand due to the influence of a low pressure front sweeping over the country from the South China Sea with citizens told to monitor weather forecasts closely. 

In Nakhon Panom, Apibalbancha, Suntharavijit, Thammarongprasit and Srithep roads have all been hit by flooding and several large trees have fallen, necessitating urgent work by local authorities. Water is being pumped into the Mekong River and tree branches are being cut so that they do not impact power lines. Locals have been urged to follow reports closely so that they are prepared for any emergency situations. 

At Seka district of Bueng Kan, heavy rains swelled local waterways and have caused flooding on 2026 Seka highway, including in roadside homes and other residences. 

Additional waters from Sriwilai and Porncharoen districts have exacerbated the situation with authorities now urgently dredging canals to improve drainage. A team has been placed on 24 monitoring of the situation and will be alerting residents if there is a need to move belongings to higher ground. A preliminary survey has found 20 homes and one government building impacted by flooding. 

Royal Irrigation Department (RID) Director-General, Thongplew Kongchan, has ordered all of his department’s offices in the northeast to step up drainage into the Mekong River. He has also set urgent plans to slow waters from the Chi River entering into Roi Et province and to increase drainage into the Mul River using pumps. The work is in response to more rains expected in Roi Et, Nakhon Panom, Mahasarakam, Kalasin and Yasothon. 

Most flooding so far has been in low lying areas and is expected to subside in two to three days if rains let up.

 

-- nnt 2018-07-17