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Flooding across Thailand has killed 24 people and affected millions since mid-September, while water levels in Bangkok have begun to recede, authorities said Wednesday.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, floods were still affecting 29 provinces and Bangkok, impacting more than 1.12 million households and 3.19 million people.
Satellite data from Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency showed that around 1.71 million rai, or about 676,000 acres, of land remained inundated across the country.
Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said rainfall had eased across most parts of Thailand, except the lower southern region.
The overall flood situation “remains manageable,” he said, adding that there were no signs of an emerging major flood crisis.
Rainfall is expected to ease before returning to northern and northeastern Thailand from October 4 to 6, potentially affecting central Thailand and Bangkok. Forecasters do not expect prolonged heavy rain, Ekkapob said at a press briefing.
Authorities will increase water releases from dams in Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok, to prevent reservoirs from becoming overly full, he said.
Discharges into the Mae Klong River through Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram will increase from 1,600 to 2,000 cubic metres per second.
The higher flow could raise riverside water levels by around 80 centimetres, prompting authorities to advise residents in vulnerable areas to consider moving to shelters.
