All inbound lanes to the capital between the 107-108 kilometre markers of the Mitrapap Highway in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sung Noen district were closed on Sunday after it was heavily inundated by runoff from an overflowing water reservoir and continuous downpours.
The inbound lanes to Bangkok on the Mitrapap Highway are under water. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)
About 800 metres of the highway is submerged under 60-70cm of water, making it impassable to road vehicles.
Officers from the Sung Noen police station have opened up a special lane on the opposite side of the highway to help alleviate traffic congestion as cars were banked up for about one kilometre.
Runoff from the local Pradoo reservoir, which is at 113% of its regulated storage capacity, was the main cause of the problem.
Authorities are expecting the water level on the road to drop over Sunday night.
The Royal Irrigation Department region 8 said water is brimming over at several dams in the province, with the Lam Pra Plerng Dam in Pak Thong Chai district and the Lam Moon Bon Dam in Khon Buri district at 111% and 105% holding capacities, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Lam Ta Khong Dam in Sikhio district, which is currently at 81% capacity, is rapidly filling up, the department added.