Five major dams are being ordered to boost the discharge of excess water to prepare for Tropical Storm Bebinca, which is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to many parts of the country until Sunday.
The dams being closely monitored due to high water levels are Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi, Nam Un in Sakon Nakhon, Vajiralongkorn in Kanchanaburi, Rajjaprabha in Surat Thani and Khun Dan Prakarn Chon in Nakhon Nayok, said Somkiat Prajamwong, secretary-general of the Office of National Water Resources yesterday.
While Kaeng Krachan and Nam Un dams were as of yesterday morning already at their capacity, the other three dams were between 82% and 87% full, said Mr Somkiat.
Fifty-eight provinces in the North, Northeast, Central Plains and South have been warned about possible flooding and landslides as the tropical storm hits, said Chayapol Thitisak, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Surat Thani, Ranong and Phangnga in particular have been issued with landslide warnings, while most other provinces have been advised to prepare for floods, he said.
Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi and Satun have received warnings about winds and rough seas, he said.
"People living in these areas are being advised to closely monitor weather updates and possible disaster warnings, which they should strictly comply with," he said.
Residents of these areas should move their household appliances and valuables to higher ground and prepare for immediate evacuation, he said.
Supreme Commander Gen Thanchaiyan Srisuwan, said military units in all provinces were also being instructed to prepare to lead rescue operations.
Already hit by floods triggered by torrential rain include Ban Khok Chang in La-un district of Ranong where flood waters were about one to two metres deep and a road serving as a main route for the transport of fruits was blocked after a massive landslide.
About eight villages in Bo Rai district of Trat were also yesterday inundated with several roads suffering floods about 80-90cm deep, said Phanuwat Phutthakesorn, chief of the district office.
Similar flooding was previously reported in this district late last month.
Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed Bangkok yesterday afternoon, flooding streets and snarling traffic under a dense, dark canopy of grey.
On Rama IV Road in Klong Toey district, traffic was crawling as vehicles sloshed through ankle-deep water and motorcyclists cowered before driving rain.