Phuket warned to brace for more heavy rainfall

PHUKET: Phuket has been named in a weather warning that has called for emergency services to be on standby for flash floods from heavy continuous rain predicted to lash the Andaman coast from Sunday (Aug 20).

Friday 18 August 2023 12:08 PM

The warning was issued by Boonsom Cholpitakwong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (OWNR) yesterday (Aug 17).

The period of heavy rain is expected to begin on Sunday and continue for three days through to Wednesday next week (Aug 20-23).

The warning was nearly nationwide, noting areas in the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Southern regions of Thailand that may be affected by the heavy weather.

The areas in Southern Thailand warned to be prepared were given as: Ranong (Mueang Ranong and Kapoe districts) Phang Nga (Mueang Phang Nga districts, Kuraburi, Takua Pa, Kapong, Thap Put and Thai Muang); Phuket (Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang districts); Satun (Mueang Satun and La-ngu districts); Trang (Mueang Trang, Palian and Wang Wiset districts), and Surat Thani (Phanom and Ban Ta Khun districts).

“Relevant agencies are requested to continuously monitor the weather and water situation, especially in areas with cumulative precipitation of more than 90 millimeters in a 24-hour period and areas at risk of regular flooding or urban areas known for flooding where the rainfall could not be discharged in time,” the warning said.

Relevant agencies were asked to prepare plans to deal with flood situations, and prepare personnel and the relevant equipment needed for responding to flood situations.

They were also asked to ensure drains were cleared to allow rainwater to drain effectively, and to remain at a state of readiness to provide immediate assistance.

Phuket Irrigation Office Director Krirksak Leenanon yesterday inspected Phuket’s main reservoirs, and confirmed that all three were already near capacity.

The aim of the inspection was to confirm that Phuket had enough water supply reserves for the coming dry season, after October.

Despite Phuket not experiencing much rainfall during the first few months of the year, which is usual, Phuket reservoirs were now near capacity, he said.

“The average water volume is almost equal to the capacity of the reservoir, for example, the Bang Wad Reservoir is approximately 96% of the reservoir’s capacity,” Mr Krirksak said.

“The Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is approximately 94% full and the Khlong Kata reservoir, which supplies water to the Provincial Waterworks Authority throughout the year, is about 80% full,” he added.