Persistent rain has swollen waterways in Saraburi, leading to the closure of two waterfalls, in Kaeng Khoi and Muak Lek districts, affecting several villages, resorts and tourist access.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office of Saraburi reported on Monday that rain had been falling continously in the Kaeng Khoi No-Hunting Area for three days, a total of 129 millimetres to date.
The zone is the catchment area of the Ban Dong reservoir in tambon Cham Phak Phaew of Kaeng Khoi district. In-flow has exceeded the 3.18-million-cubic-metre capacity of the reservoir, which had started overflowing through its spillway, the department announcement said.
People living in Moo 1, 2, 5, and 9 villages in tambon Cham Phak Phaew were warned of possible overflow from the Ban Dong canal, which receives water from the reservoir.
The persistent rain sent runoff flowing into Moo 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11 villages in tambon Cha Om of Kaeng Khoi district from about 6pm on Sunday.
Water hit Namtok Chet Khot and Namtok Krok E-Dok waterfalls in tambon Cha Om and flooded nearby resorts. Some resorts were isolated but local officials managed to rescue tourists.
On Monday the management of the Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park closed Namtok Chet Sao Noi (levels 1-7) and Koh Si Chang waterfalls in Muak Lek district as the current surged dangerously.
The Muaklek Arboretum, which spans Muak Lek district of Saraburi and Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, were also closed on Monday for public safety.