"Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation" (DDPM) has called 17 northern provinces to a meeting to prepare for flood situations and ordered every province to remain vigilant. "Heavy rain" in August, with readiness maintained around the clock.
On 2 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, chaired a Situation Awareness Team (SAT) meeting. Attendees included Deputy Director-General Chaiyarat Kaewpiangphen, DDPM executives, representatives from related agencies, regional disaster prevention centers, provincial DDPM offices from 17 northern provinces, and local foundation volunteers. The meeting was held both in-person and via electronic media.
Director-General Theerapat Kachamat revealed that weather forecasts indicate rainfall in August 2026 will exceed normal levels, especially in western, northern, upper northeastern, and eastern regions. Rainfall is expected to decrease in September and October, shifting to heavy rains in the southern region by November. He stressed that all provinces must rigorously monitor and prepare response plans in advance to minimize impacts on the population.
Regarding flood situations, at-risk provinces such as Chiang Rai experienced flash floods and river overflows in three districts. The situation has eased, with water levels monitored continuously through a "parallel war room" operating 24/7, successfully protecting economic zones safely.
Meanwhile, in Phetchabun, runoff from Lom Kao district flooded surrounding areas of Lom Sak district. Officials have deployed pumps to accelerate water drainage continuously, coupled with early warnings via the Cell Broadcast system, enabling residents to safely move belongings to higher ground in time.
In Phitsanulok, heavy rains caused the Fia River to overflow, flooding homes. Local agencies and DDPM Region 9 integrated efforts using disaster machinery, flat-bottom boats, plastic boats, and pumps to promptly assist and drain water.
In Chiang Mai, although rainfall accumulation remains a concern, proactive flood prevention measures in urban areas and adequate reservoir capacity have kept the overall situation under control.
Director-General Theerapat further emphasized that all areas must prepare thoroughly and manage flood situations intensively. Regional disaster prevention centers and provincial DDPM offices should pre-position disaster machinery at risk areas without waiting for incidents, to enable rapid response. Coordination with local administrative organizations, Civil Defense Volunteers (Or Por Por), and rescue foundations is essential to provide swift assistance to communities.
Additionally, economic and urban zones must coordinate local agencies to remove waterway obstructions and clean drainage systems to reduce water stagnation. Stockpiling essential supplies to aid vulnerable groups is also important. Crucially, all areas should communicate disaster awareness and warnings to residents effectively.
Besides alerts via Cell Broadcast and social media, all localities should use every available channel—such as public announcement towers, community radio, and village leaders—to notify community members. Coordination with provincial public relations offices and the Public Relations Department ensures comprehensive coverage in all risk areas and target groups, delivering clear, concise messages that enable timely preparation without causing panic.
The public can follow disaster updates on Facebook: Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation DDPM, X: @DDPMNews, Line: @1784DDPM. If in distress, they can report incidents and request help via the 24-hour emergency hotline 1784.
Thanks to the Facebook page of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation DDPM.