RAYONG: Fast-rising water from Prasae Reservoir swept through low-lying communities in the Klaeng district of Rayong late Sunday night, flooding homes and fruit orchards in Krasae Bon and prompting overnight rescue operations especially of the elderly.
The Sattahip disaster response team arrived at Village 4 in the Krasae Bon subdistrict at about 10:50 p.m. on September 27th after a surge of water from the reservoir traveled down the Prasae River and overflowed into residential areas and farmland.
The Krasae Bon Subdistrict Administrative Organization had earlier issued a warning after the reservoir reached a critical level and water began flowing over the spillway. Officials urged residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground.
Rescuers focused on elderly residents and people who could not leave their homes in time. Teams helped lift belongings onto upper floors and stacked sandbags around houses as strong currents continued to push through the village.
By 3:15 a.m. on September 28th, water levels showed no sign of falling. Officials said they would stay on site to monitor conditions and assist residents.
Longtime villagers said the flooding was unlike anything they had seen. Residents who have lived in the area for more than 60 years said water had never entered their homes in this way, and that the surge arrived too quickly for many people to prepare.
Authorities are advising people in low-lying areas along the Prasae River to follow official announcements closely and evacuate immediately if ordered.
The incident comes as Rayong and other eastern provinces remain under flood watch after days of heavy rain. Irrigation officials have reported Prasae Reservoir above its stated maximum storage level, with water being released through the spillway into downstream communities.