Bangkok:Preparations have been underway for two months to address the threat of upstream flooding in Northern Thailand. Central to these efforts is a war room dedicated to 24-hour monitoring, and a focus on employing advanced technology to enhance the flood warning system.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yotsanulok Wongsawat, highlighted the establishment of a Single Command Center. This initiative is in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and involves data management contributions from the Water Resources Informatics Institute (WRII), the Meteorological Department, and GISTDA. These agencies are working together to integrate data and conduct joint drills to improve flood response.
In Nan province, an example of the proactive measures includes the installation of telemetry stations in high-altitude areas to analyze rainfall data. Alerts are sent to local communities if rainfall exceeds 50 millimeters, allowing for timely responses. This initiative, initially started in Nan, has been expanded to other parts of northern Thailand.
Shelters are on standby due to high water levels, with universities and government agencies providing assistance. A 24-hour monitoring center analyzes data from the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRA) and the Meteorological Department to prepare for potential flooding.
Mr. Yotchanan emphasized the need for communities to adapt to living with water, acknowledging that flooding is sometimes unavoidable. Discussions are ongoing with the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) and UN-Habitat to explore relocation options for communities, if necessary.
Furthermore, a digital twin model is being developed to monitor water levels and plan river dredging. Efforts are also underway to upgrade flood warnings at the household level by taking elevation differences into account. This includes plans to mark the locations of bedridden patients on Thaiwater.net, ensuring timely evacuation in case of flooding.