Storm Bualoi Leaves Thailand Drowning in Crisis
Thailand faces devastation as Storm Bualoi lashes the country. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) races to help 17 provinces still underwater. Officials warn: the deluge could last until September 30.
Disaster chiefs monitor the flooding around the clock. All affected provinces are told to give residents every possible support. As of Monday at 6am, floods grip 17 provinces, impacting 269,351 people across 82,222 households. Seven lives have already been lost.
The Thai Meteorological Department reports Bualoi was over Laos at 10am, heading for northern Myanmar and slowly weakening. Yet, the threat isn’t over. Heavy to torrential rain is forecast through September 30, especially in foothills, lowlands, and already flooded zones in the north, northeast, central, and southern regions.
The DDPM issues urgent cell broadcast warnings to at-risk areas. Residents are told to stay alert, prepare to evacuate, and move people, livestock, and valuables to safety.
Emergency Alerts as 17 Provinces Plunge into Chaos
By midday, warnings reach Prachin Buri (Na Di district), Surin (Mueang, Sangkha, Prasat, Buachet, Lamduan districts), and Mukdahan (Dong Luang district). Floods now swamp Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Lampang, Amnat Charoen, Nong Bua Lamphu, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Chachoengsao, and Prachin Buri.
Disaster teams rush in with vital supplies—family kits, food, drinking water, medicines, flat-bottom boats, mobile kitchens, water trucks, high-powered pumps, and water barriers. The DDPM vows to keep up the pressure, promising instant relief and long-term recovery.
The Smart Water Operation Centre (SWOC) at the Royal Irrigation Department confirms: Bualoi’s fury, combined with a surging monsoon trough and a strengthened southwest monsoon, triggers relentless downpours across much of Thailand.
Dams Forced to Release Water as Flood Risk Soars
The heaviest rain pounds the north, northeast, east, and the west coast of the south. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and follow official updates closely.
To cope with the storm’s runoff, the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and other agencies ramp up dam discharges. Sirikit Dam’s daily release jumps from 10 million to 15 million cubic metres. Bhumibol Dam follows suit, also rising to 15 million cubic metres per day. Ubolratana Dam now releases 30 million cubic metres daily, while Pa Sak Jolasid Dam holds steady at about 51 million cubic metres per day.
Across the country, medium and large reservoirs now hold 62.5 billion cubic metres of water—82 percent of total capacity—with room for 13.9 billion more. In the Chao Phraya basin, the four main dams—Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan, and Pa Sak Jolasid—together hold 21.62 billion cubic metres, or 87 percent of their combined capacity, leaving space for 3.2 billion more.
Authorities Scramble to Shield Communities Downstream
The Royal Irrigation Department works with local agencies to shield downstream communities until water levels drop. Teams install pumps, deploy machinery, clear waterways, and adjust management plans to minimise the impact on residents.
For the latest on water management, updates are available at wmsc.rid.go.th and bigdata-swoc.rid.go.th.
This disaster exposes Thailand’s vulnerability to extreme weather. It also highlights the urgent need for coordinated action between government agencies. The rapid deployment of rescue teams, emergency gear, and strategic dam management shows the scale of the response.
As Bualoi weakens, the danger from relentless rain lingers. The nation must remain on high alert—ready for whatever comes next.
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