Bangkok: ONWR warns to prepare for storm "Wipha" and high sea water in the Chao Phraya River, Tha Chin River and Mae Klong River, exceeding the critical level, during July 23-28, 20:00-23:00 hrs.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) summarized the overall water situation in the country on July 22, 2015, at 7:00 a.m. The highest 24-hour accumulated rainfall was observed in various regions, with Phayao Province in the North recording 55 mm, Bueng Kan Province in the Northeast with 21 mm, Nonthaburi Province in the Central Region at 3 mm, Trat Province in the East with 16 mm, Kanchanaburi Province in the West at 38 mm, and Chumphon Province in the South with 31 mm. The strong southwest monsoon impacting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, along with a monsoon trough passing through northern Myanmar and Laos, is intensifying the situation. The strong tropical storm 'Wipha' is expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam, resulting in heavy rains and strong winds in Thailand, affecting areas such as Tak, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The water reservoir situation shows a total water volume at 59% of storag e capacity, with a usable water volume at 40%.
ONWR is urging relevant agencies to closely monitor the water situation and manage water resources in an integrated manner to accommodate the anticipated increase in water volume during the rainy season. The emphasis is on reducing flood risks and preparing all sectors by raising public awareness, issuing warnings, and preparing assistance measures comprehensively and promptly.
Additionally, an ONWR announcement dated July 21, 2025, highlights the need to monitor high tides from July 23-28, 2025. Water levels at Phra Chulachomklao Fort and nearby areas are expected to reach approximately 1.70-2.00 meters above mean sea level, about 0.30 meters above the critical water level. The strong southwest monsoon is causing heavy rain, leading to rising river levels. Low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, and Mae Klong Rivers, including communities outside embankments and temporary embankments in areas lacking permanent water protection, are at risk of flooding due to high tides in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Songkhram.
To mitigate the impact, ONWR advises relevant agencies to closely monitor the water situation, inspect riverside protection structures, reinforce embankments in risk areas, and disseminate information to residents in riverside and low-lying areas. Agencies are also urged to prepare machinery and tools to provide immediate assistance and adjust water management plans to align with the situation.