Nakhon nayok: Severe flash floods forced the closure of Sarika Waterfall in Nakhon Nayok Province for 30 minutes to help tourists. Meanwhile, the water situation in Thap Ya area, Sing Buri Province, is critical. Big bags were deployed to plug leaks day and night, but Chao Phraya River water still flows under the dam and overflows into communities.

According to Thai News Agency, the flash flooding occurred around 1:00 PM today due to heavy rainfall in the area above. The water flowing down Sarika Waterfall began to turn red and flow rapidly. Khao Yai Forest Rangers 13 (Nang Rong) issued a public announcement to tourists to get out of the water and leave the area. Meanwhile, three tourists were unable to make it out in time and were stuck at the top. Khao Yai Forest Rangers 13 (Nang Rong) were able to assist them and bring them safely down. The waterfall was closed for only 30 minutes.

Mr. Chaiya Huaihongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, stated that Khao Yai National Park normally provides daily assistance and safety to tourists. Therefore, tourists should not worry. Upon detection or receiving a report of flash flooding from above, officials below will issue a warning in advance, allowing tourists to leave the water before the flooding begins. However, water levels are currently normal and the park is open to visitors.

In a related development, a large leak was discovered in Village No. 1 of Ban Bang Phra Non, Thap Ya Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province. This allowed water from the Chao Phraya River to rapidly flow under the dam behind Wat Phra Non into the community. Local government agencies were mobilized to use heavy equipment to help block the water throughout the night, but only managed to block about 80 percent. Recently, water in the Chao Phraya River has begun to erode, widening the area and flowing into the village.

Mr. Chan Khonchan, village headman of Village No. 1, Thap Ya Subdistrict, who oversees the area, said the provincial governor, the president of the Sing Buri Provincial Administrative Organization, and the mayor of Thap Ya Subdistrict Municipality must re-plan the construction by bringing in big bags and driving eucalyptus piles. However, behind the piles, they will be filled with a layer of soil to further reduce water pressure. If the water level inside and outside is equal, the water pressure will decrease.