Heavy Rain Likely to Cause Flash Flood Risk — Phitsanulok Prepares Measures for July 20–25

The Phitsanulok Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office issued a public notice advising residents to prepare for heavy rain and possible flash floods between July 20–25, 2026, based on the Meteorological Department forecast. The forecast predicts that a low-pressure area will influence the northern and upper central regions, bringing locally heavy rain. As a result, riverside risk points and low-lying areas in Mueang, Wang Thong, and Phrom Phiram districts could experience flash floods and runoff from mountain streams.

Relevant agencies — including the Provincial Administrative Organization, Phitsanulok City Municipality, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Provincial Electricity Authority — have coordinated surveillance plans and joint response measures. These include reinforcing patrols to inspect river channels, monitoring water levels and rainfall in real time, preparing sandbags to construct protective barriers in vulnerable communities, and setting up temporary evacuation centers with basic facilities.

Ms. Kanchana, an officer at the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said this alert focuses on raising awareness among people in at-risk areas. They have coordinated with community radio stations and village health volunteers to disseminate advance warnings. She also emphasized that residents should follow news closely, prepare an emergency kit — such as medicines, essential items, and identification documents — and have an evacuation plan if water levels rise quickly, especially riverside households with children or elderly family members.

The Provincial Public Health Office has coordinated health preparations with community hospitals and emergency medical units, assembling emergency medication kits, basic treatment drugs, and a referral system for patients who need evacuation. Community hospital administrators said they have arranged on-call doctors and nurses, increased emergency medical supplies, and positioned ambulances at locations expected to be on evacuation routes.

The tourism and transport sectors were advised to adjust travel plans during the expected heavy rain period. Public transport companies announced reduced service speeds and reserved alternative routes. Riverside tour operators were advised to postpone or cancel high-risk activities during heavy rain. Tourists planning to visit Phitsanulok during this period were asked to monitor local agency announcements and be prepared to change travel plans.

The Phitsanulok governor urged all agencies to be ready and strictly follow emergency response plans, and asked for public cooperation in safeguarding lives and property. In case of emergency, call hotline 1784 or the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office’s emergency number. Additional alerts and guidance will be distributed via local media, the provincial Facebook page, and community radio so residents receive timely information and can respond quickly.

If heavy rain materializes, impacts could affect agriculture, transportation, and the local economy, particularly riverside farming communities. Proactive measures and community participation will help reduce damage and speed recovery. The province will closely monitor the situation and adjust plans as weather conditions change to protect people’s lives and property.