Flooding in Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan and Ang Thong

About 43,000 households in Ayutthaya province are flooded, after irrigation officials increased the rate of discharge of water through the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat to 2,500m3/s, with the likelihood that this may be further increased due to the increasing flow of water into the dam’s reservoir.

A sandbag flood wall along the swollen Chao Phraya River is reported to have collapsed in several areas, due to the wash caused by boats, allowing water to gush through the gaps and inundate communities, such as Sanam Chai Temple in Muang.

In Muang district of Ang Thong province, the mayor joined troops, city officials and volunteers in placing sandbags and other barriers to protect provincial offices and communities from possible flooding, while large water pumps were installed as a precaution.

The depth of the Chao Phraya River, in front of the provincial hall, was measured at 9.11 metres today, which has already exceeded the 8-metre critical level, but is still 89cm below the tops of the banks.

In Nakhon Sawan province, officials have closed the “Pa Sarn” tourist landmark after part of the location has become submerged, due to the rising water level in the Chao Phraya River.

People living around the Chao Mae Taptim shrine have moved their valuables to higher ground, ahead of the arrival of floodwater, while others have set up temporary shelters on roadsides in the municipal area.