Gaemi – the storm formerly known as “tropical” but which was downgraded to a low pressure system – has passed over Bangkok and its neighboring areas relatively quietly.
It didn’t bring torrential rains or cause widespread flooding, but government agencies say they will still be on standby and will continue to monitor flood-prone areas until Wednesday.
Gaemi rained on all 50 districts of Bangkok and caused minor flash floods in low-lying areas. However, reports said it only brought 60 milimeters of rain – a far cry from the predicted 90 millimeters or more.
Reports from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department confirmed that 40 districts in nine provinces were affected by flooding. These comprise Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Prakan.
Somchai Baimuang, Deputy Director General of the Meteorological Department said Gaemi was moving westward toward Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi and will exit at the Andaman Sea. He also confirmed that the feared storm surge will not take place and that normal weather conditions can be expected tomorrow.
In a related development, government agencies in the Northeast provinces have been advised to start saving water in dams in anticipation of the next dry season. Gaemi’s less-than-predicted rainfall is set to leave the Bhumibol and Sirikit dams at only 73% of their water capacities by the end of the month. The Lam Takhong reservoir in Sikhiu district also has about 47% of its water capacity.
If no additional rainfall arrives, Bangkok and its neighboring areas will be experiencing drought come summertime, the Bangkok Post reported.
