Torrential rainfall keeps Thailand on flood alert

Thailand's flood situation remained serious on Monday despite signs of easing rainfall in Bangkok, with authorities maintaining warnings across 30 provinces and ordering an emergency evacuation in Rayong Province after a reservoir was reported to be at risk of failure.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecast less rain in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on Monday and Tuesday, but said thunderstorms would still affect about 70 percent of the area, with isolated heavy downpours.

In Rayong, authorities ordered an emergency evacuation on Monday after warning that a reservoir was at risk of failure as heavy rain continued to raise flood and landslide risks across the country.

Authorities said the reservoir had reached about 23.5 million cubic meters, or 117 percent of its capacity, with water spilling over. The outlet gates were fully opened to release water and ease pressure on the reservoir, according to local news portal The Nation.

Local authorities urged residents in downstream areas to evacuate immediately and move valuables to higher ground, warning of possible impacts in Kong Din and Khlong Pun regions. Three temporary evacuation sites were designated.

The Meteorological Department warned of heavy rain in 13 provinces on Monday afternoon, saying further rainfall could raise floodwater levels and slow drainage in already affected areas.

The warning came as Thailand grapples with the aftermath of several days of heavy rain. The national water command center reported that Rayong recorded the country's highest rainfall early on Monday, at 289 millimeters.

Bangkok was among 41 provinces hit by floods since Sept 16, which killed at least eight people and affected more than 580,000 households, according to the Interior Ministry.

"More than 80,000 residents living in flooded areas are unable to leave their homes, and we have arranged mobile kitchens and boats to assist relief efforts," said Unsit Sampuntharat, permanent secretary of the ministry.

The government will provide three meals a day to all residents throughout the flooding and for at least seven days after the waters recede, he said.

As of Monday afternoon, the Department of Highways reported 56 impassable highway locations, with flooding affecting 228 locations across 26 provinces.

'Worst situation'

"This was definitely the worst flood I've ever experienced," said Kirakirin Sulichaya, a resident of Bangkok's Phra Khanong area. "It rained nonstop for more than 48 hours starting last Friday."

She managed to take the capital's transit train to a station about 2 kilometers from her apartment. "No taxi accepted the order, so I walked through knee-deep water for half an hour before finally getting home," she said.

"It's fortunate that the worst flooding happened over the weekend, and high-rise apartments were relatively safe. But many nearby convenience stores were almost sold out — water, instant noodles and bread were nearly gone from the shelves."

By Monday morning, water levels had begun to fall on some Bangkok roads, but flooding remained severe in several outer districts.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said earlier that it could take two to three days to drain the accumulated floodwater if there was no further heavy rain.