Report Thailand Braces for Downpours as 'War Room' Springs into Action

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of NNT

 

Thailand has activated a round-the-clock "war room" for real-time monitoring and disaster management as a powerful storm approaches. This urgent measure comes after warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department about heavy rain expected in several northern provinces due to Typhoon Wipha's proximity to northern Vietnam on July 21–22.

 

Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, acting as National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commander, announced that the North and Northeast should prepare for intense rainfall on July 22–23, potentially causing a rise in the Mekong River's levels. A combination of a low-pressure trough and moist air from the Andaman Sea is forecast to result in widespread precipitation.

 

Phumtham has instructed the Ministry of Interior to vigilantly track weather changes, assess risks, and ensure transparent public communication to avert misinformation. Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat has asked provincial leaders to focus on areas receiving over 90 millimetres of rain, regions prone to flooding, and places with inadequate drainage.

 

Officials are tasked with fortifying riverbanks, removing water blockages, and adjusting reservoir management for efficient water flow throughout the waterways. We are preparing emergency services, equipment, and communication channels for swift action. Citizens in high-risk zones are advised to safeguard property and be ready to evacuate if required.

 

Passakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, revealed that a high-level “war room” meeting convened multiple agencies, including the TMD, the Office of the National Water Resources, the Royal Irrigation Department, and GISTDA, to evaluate Typhoon Wipha’s potential threats.

 

The TMD has issued warnings for Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, and Phangnga provinces, alongside parts of the Central and Northeastern regions. The TMD urges those living near slopes, waterways, and lowlands to remain vigilant against flash floods and water runoff.

 

As of 4pm Sunday, the TMD reported that Wipha was a tropical storm located in Guangdong province, China. Predicted to affect Thailand with heavy rain from Sunday through Thursday, the storm, coupled with the southwesterly monsoon, is expected to impact the North, the upper Northeast, the western Central Plain, the East, and the southwestern coast.

 

Thailand has implemented weather-related precautions and emergency measures to prepare for potential flood risks and heightened river levels in the coming days.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-21

 

 

[JAG]

Chiang Rai, some 10 years ago had a large programme of constructing drainage channels, within the city along with a major dam just downstream of the city to control water drainage. 

 

Last year the city suffered catastrophic flooding. 

 

The drainage channels have for several years been, and remain, clogged with vegetation. Of the 11 "gates" on the dam, only 3 work. They have brought mobile cranes in in an attempt to get some of the rest open.

 

Maintaining the dam and clearing the channels...

[KhunBENQ]

From reports:

This typhoon has hit Hong Khong with heavy downpour but not as devastating as other typhoons.

It's been downgraded to tropical storm.

So hope for the best.