Continuous Rainfall — Flash Flood Warnings in Phitsanulok as Residents Urged to Beware

Continuous rainfall in Phitsanulok province has prompted heightened vigilance for flash floods and sudden runoff in many highland areas over the past weekend (24 Aug 2016). The Provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM, Phitsanulok office) reported rapidly rising water levels in several canals and streams in Chum Saeng and Na Khon Thai districts. Although flooding in neighboring northern provinces such as Nan and Sukhothai has begun to ease, regional forecasts indicate a chance of more storms on the 25th–26th and again at the end of the month, which could complicate the situation anew.

This morning, provincial DDPM officers and local administrative organizations inspected high-risk areas along the Yom River and low-lying communities adjacent to canals. They found about 120 houses still located in risky zones, even though flooding had not yet occurred. Officials deployed mobile pumps, prepared relief kits, and warned residents to move valuables and important documents to higher ground.

The Phitsanulok governor said authorities coordinated with the Third Army Area and relevant agencies to set up emergency temporary shelters. He ordered municipalities and subdistrict administrations to check drainage systems and opened a joint command center to receive real-time orders. He urged residents to follow official warnings and avoid driving through standing water because of the ongoing risk of road erosion and vehicle wash-away.

Residents in lowland communities such as Tha Pho and Hua Dong are feeling the effects on their daily lives and are assessing conditions hourly. Market vendors who sell by the water and fruit growers said continuous rain has delayed harvests and transport; prices for some produce may fall if crops cannot be gathered in time. Flash floods increase the risk of losses for families living in basin-like neighborhoods. Although many locals are accustomed to the rainy season, accelerating protective measures is necessary amid volatile weather.

Tourists planning to visit Phitsanulok are advised by the provincial tourism office to check weather and route conditions before travel, especially mountain routes to national parks like Thung Salaeng Luang National Park and area waterfalls. Visitors should strictly follow closure orders from authorities to avoid dangers such as landslides or muddy roads. Operators offering rafting or waterfall activities are urged to suspend risky operations until rainfall subsides and water levels return to safe conditions.

The Meteorological Department said the rainy system is still influenced by a monsoon trough and a low-pressure area over the north, warning northern provinces including Phitsanulok to closely monitor flash-flood alerts. Water-resource experts called for medium- to long-term planning to improve drainage systems and manage forest areas around watersheds to increase resilience to heavy inflows, aiming to reduce long-term damage to communities and the local economy.