Ayutthaya residents call for earlier flood warnings as water rises

Residents of Ayutthaya's low-lying regions have urged for the issuance of flood warnings earlier after rising water from the Chao Phraya River inundated homes and communities. The Royal Irrigation Department's decision to increase water releases downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam exacerbated the situation, causing river levels to rise further and water to spill into areas not protected by barriers.

As of 30 September, flooding had impacted 13 districts, 167 subdistricts, 1,081 villages and 55 communities, affecting 42,286 households, according to the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. One death has been reported in Sena district. In Ban Pho subdistrict, Sena district, water from the Noi River, fed by the Chao Phraya, overflowed into the neighborhood alongside water from the Chao Chet-Bang Yi Hon canal.

Water levels reached over 1.70 meters, submerging the lower floors of homes. Some dwellings, built on raised foundations, now use their lower areas as kitchens, living spaces, and storage. The community's access has been disrupted, with submerged roads and residents having to wade through water or rely on boats for transportation.

Local authorities have constructed temporary wooden walkways for navigation. Residents have frequently been among the first areas to flood during the wet season, disrupting daily routines and forcing vendors and workers to suspend their activities. One resident, Jenphop, 36, noted that water levels rose rapidly over three days this year, leaving some unable to relocate belongings and motorcycles promptly.

He appealed for authorities to provide earlier warnings, granting low-lying residents more time to safeguard valuables and prepare for rising water levels. Another resident, Wanida, 47, reported that water levels surged by 2–3 meters within several days, with her home, like many others, having a raised lower floor typically inundated for about a month during the annual flood season.

She lamented that flood relief and supplies often fail to reach homes situated deep within the community, while flooding also impedes customers from accessing local shops and leaves many residents without income. Despite acknowledging that Ayutthaya is a low-lying area prone to flooding during the season, residents emphasized the need for improved planning and water management, as severe flooding has become a recurrent disruption.

Adis, 56, recounted that this year's water rise was so swift that his family and neighbors could not move all their possessions in time. He and others had to wade through water up to their necks to salvage items from their homes while constructing raised walkways as the water continued to rise. Residents are now advocating for enhancements to the flood warning system and the provision of alerts further in advance, enabling communities to allocate more time for property protection, home safeguarding, and preparation for escalating water levels.