Chao Phraya Dam increases discharge as northern runoff approaches, riverside residents urged to prepare to evacuate

The Chao Phraya Dam has raised its discharge to 2,300 cubic metres per second in response to increased northern runoff, prompting authorities to advise residents in Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani to secure belongings and prepare for potential evacuation. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has directed agencies to prioritize aid for communities struggling with flooding, especially those hard to reach due to high water levels.

Teams are ensuring food, water, and medicine reach those affected, while provinces brace for further rain during 4-6 October, according to satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Provincial governors and Bangkok authorities are issuing warnings, staying put, and continuing pumping water as levels recede.

The National Water Command has approved a gradual increase of the Chao Phraya Dam discharge by 100 cubic metres per second, with a maximum of 2,500 cubic metres per second. Water from Nakhon Sawan is projected to reach the dam within a day and then flow downstream to Ayutthaya on October 3rd. Though the water level upstream of the dam might slightly rise, it should stay below the flood protection barriers.

Pa Sak Dam, already above 100% capacity, has its release reduced to 100 cubic metres per second and should remain under 300 cubic metres per second. Combined flows are expected to reach Ayutthaya, staying under 3,000 cubic metres per second before proceeding through Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan towards the Gulf of Thailand.

Bangkok's water levels are anticipated to be around 40 centimeters below flood barriers. To the west, Vajiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi will start releasing water at 500 cubic metres per second after recent rainfall subsided. Mae Klong Dam has a discharge of 2,200 cubic metres per second, and residents in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram are urged to move possessions to higher ground and closely monitor conditions.

In the east, low-lying areas in Bang Khla and Bang Nam Priao districts face the floodwaters' approach after Prachin Buri's peak runoff has passed. The Finance Ministry has established a flood-assistance coordination center on hotline 1689, offering details on low-interest repair loans, personal loans, debt-relief measures, and insurance claims.