DDPM Warns Over Flash Floods, Forest Runoff, and Landslides

CHIANG RAI – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a warning for 52 provinces to watch for flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides. Water reservoirs are expected to discharge more water from 18 to 24 September. Officials have been instructed to stay on guard around the clock.

On 17 September 2025, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), through the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Centre, monitored weather alerts and risk factors.

The National Water Resources Office issued Announcement No. 22/2568 on 16 September, urging people to watch for overflowing rivers, stagnant floodwaters, and high water levels for the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers.

Weather forecasts show some areas will experience heavy to very heavy rain. This increases the risk of flash floods, runoff, and landslides. Urban communities, where water often collects due to poor drainage, may face ongoing flood problems from 18 to 24 September.

The provinces at risk of flash floods, forest runoff, stagnant flooding, and mudslides cover 35 provinces:

DDPM Warning for Northern Region (9 provinces):

Mae Hong Son (Khun Yuam, Mae Sariang, Sop Moei), Chiang Mai (Omkoi), Chiang Rai (Mueang Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan), Nan (Mae Charim, Wiang Sa), Tak (Tha Song Yang, Phop Phra, Mae Ramat, Sam Ngao, Umphang), Kamphaeng Phet (Khlong Lan, Pang Sila Thong), Phitsanulok (Nakhon Thai, Noen Maprang), Phetchabun (Phetchabun City, Lom Sak, Lom Kao, Khao Kho, Wichian Buri, Si Thep), and Nakhon Sawan (Mae Pern).

Northeast Region (18 provinces):

Loei (Wang Saphung), Nong Khai (Mueang Nong Khai), Udon Thani (Mueang Udon Thani, Kumphawapi, Ku Kaeo, Chai Wan, Non Sa-at, Wang Sam Mo, Si That), Sakon Nakhon (Wanon Niwat, Waritchaphum, Akat Amnuai), Nakhon Phanom (Na Kae), Mukdahan (Dong Luang, Nong Sung), Kalasin (Mueang Kalasin, Tha Khantho, Yang Talat, Sam Chai, Nong Kung Si, Huai Mek), Chaiyaphum (Thep Sathit, Nong Bua Daeng), Khon Kaen (Kranuan, Nam Phong).

Maha Sarakham (Chuen Chom), Roi Et (Mueang Roi Et, Kaset Wisai, Thawat Buri, Phanom Phrai, Mueang Suang, Selaphum, Nong Phok, At Samat), Yasothon (Kham Khuean Kaeo), Amnat Charoen (Mueang Amnat Charoen, Pathum Ratchawongsa, Phana, Lue Amnat), Nakhon Ratchasima (Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Buri, Chakkarat, Chum Phuang, Chok Chai, Non Daeng, Non Sung, Pak Thong Chai, Phimai, Sikhiu, Sung Noen, Nong Bunnak), Buriram (Mueang Buriram, Krasang, Chamni, Nang Rong, Phlapphla Chai, Lam Plai Mat, Satuek, Nong Ki, Nong Hong).

Surin (Mueang Surin, Kap Choeng, Chumphon Buri, Tha Tum, Prasat, Sri Narong, Sikhoraphum, Sangkha, Samrong Thap), Si Sa Ket (Khukhan, Khun Han, Prang Ku), and Ubon Ratchathani (Kut Khaopun, Khemarat, Det Udom, Trakan Phuet Phon, Thung Si Udom, Na Chaluai, Na Yia, Nam Khun, Nam Yuen, Buntharik, Phibun Mangsahan, Sawang Wirawong, Sirindhorn).

Central and Eastern Regions (8 provinces):

Nakhon Nayok (Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Ban Na), Prachin Buri (Kabin Buri, Na Di), Sa Kaeo (Mueang Sa Kaeo, Ta Phraya, Watthana Nakhon), Chachoengsao (Tha Takiap, Sanam Chai Khet), Chonburi (Bang Lamung, Si Racha), Rayong (Mueang Rayong, Pluak Daeng, Nikhom Phatthana), Chanthaburi (Kaeng Hang Maeo, Khlung, Khao Khitchakut, Makham), and Trat (Mueang Trat, Khao Saming, Khlong Yai, Bo Rai, Ko Chang, Ko Kut).

Reservoir Watch (41 provinces):

Medium and small reservoirs with water levels above 80 percent of capacity affect Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Krabi.

Sudden River Rises & Flooding (7 provinces):

Quick increases in water levels and possible overflows threaten low-lying areas in seven provinces. Key points include the Sai River (Mae Sai, Chiang Rai), Yom River (Bang Rakam, Phitsanulok), Kae Noi River (Nakhon Thai, Phitsanulok), Lam Yung (Selaphum, Roi Et), Chi River (Maha Chana Chai, Yasothon and Chaiyaphum city), Mun River (Ubon Ratchathani city), and Prachin Buri River (Kabin Buri, Prachin Buri).

Effects from Rising Mekong Levels:

Steady rain in Laos has boosted Mekong River levels, with continued increases likely. This could impact provinces along the river such as Chiang Rai, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Chao Phraya Dam Water Release:

More water will be released from the Chao Phraya Dam, raising river levels and risks of overflow. Watchpoints include Phong Pheng Canal (Ang Thong), Bang Ban Canal (Ayutthaya), Noi River (Sena, Phak Hai, Ayutthaya), Singburi (Mueang, In Buri, Phrom Buri), Chaiyo and Pa Mok (Ang Thong), Sapphaya (Chai Nat), and all riverside activities from behind the Chao Phraya Dam, covering Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan.

Preparedness Measures:

The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Centre has notified 52 provinces and regional disaster agencies to closely monitor conditions and make sure teams, equipment, and vehicles are ready. Staff will track rainfall and water levels, especially in at-risk locations, to act quickly in case of emergencies, day or night.

Public safety equipment and crisis response teams (ERT) are being set to respond and help at-risk communities immediately when a disaster occurs. If you live in an at-risk area, keep up with official weather updates and warnings. Prepare for emergencies and follow government safety guidelines at all times.

You can check local alerts using the “THAI DISASTER ALERT” app, available for IOS and Android. Updates also appear on the official DDPM Facebook page and X account (@DDPMNews).

If you need help due to a disaster, contact DDPM by adding the Line ID @1784DDPM or call the 1784 safety hotline, available 24 hours a day. These channels will connect you to the help you need.