Flooding in 21 provinces, rain moving South

Flooding persists in parts of 21 provinces, mostly on the Central Plain, as the northern runoff surge arrives, adding to residual rainfall, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported on Sunday.

Director-general Nirat Pongsitthithaworn said the floods affect 3.14 million people in the 21 provinces.

In the North, floodwater was rising in Bang Rakam district of Phitsanulok and receding in Phayuha Khiri, Takhli, Banphot Pisai, Kao Liao, Muang, Chum Saeng, Tha Tako, Krok Phra and Nong Bua districts of Nakhon Sawan.

In the Central Plains, flood levels were declining in Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces; stable in Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Songkhram and Nakhon Pathom; and rising in Samut Prakan. In Bangkok, flood levels were falling.

In the East, flood levels were stable in Nakhon Nayok and declining in Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong. 

The department was concerned about the situation in the Bang Pakong River basin, where three local dams were at 83-97% capacity on Sunday.

The Meteorological Department said heavy rain would continue in the lower North, the Central Plains including Greater Bangkok, the East and the South on Sunday.

On Monday and  Tuesday heavy rain was expected in the South, as cold air would cover upper regions of Thailand.