Late Monday night, the city was battered by heavy rain that lasted over three hours, leading to widespread flooding and causing significant disruption. Streets across various parts of the city were submerged, with water levels rising so high that numerous vehicles were left stranded in the deluge. Motorists found themselves trapped as the floodwaters quickly engulfed roads, particularly in areas prone to poor drainage. Emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to calls from those affected by the rising water.
In Pattaya city, a popular tourist destination, and the neighboring Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri, the situation was particularly severe. Key areas, including a section of Sukhumvit Road in southern Pattaya—a vital artery that connects Pattaya with other provinces—were heavily flooded. The deluge caused traffic to come to a standstill, leaving travelers frustrated and concerned about the extent of the damage.
Despite the intensity of the rainfall, by the early hours of Tuesday morning, the floodwaters had begun to recede. Thanks to the efforts of local authorities and the natural drainage of the area, the situation was almost back to normal by the time residents woke up, with only a few pockets of flooding remaining in low-lying areas. Cleanup operations were quickly mobilized, with crews working to clear debris and restore the city’s infrastructure to full functionality.
However, the Meteorological Department issued a fresh alert on Tuesday, warning residents and travelers to brace for more rain. The forecast predicted continued rainfall across the eastern provinces and other regions, potentially persisting until Saturday. Authorities urged caution, particularly in areas that had already experienced significant flooding, as the saturated ground could lead to further flash floods or landslides.
In the broader region, Tropical Storm Yagi, which had been moving westward across the South China Sea after passing over the Philippines, was under close watch. Although the storm was not expected to directly impact Thailand, its presence in the region remained a concern for meteorologists and disaster preparedness teams. Yagi had already left a trail of destruction in the Philippines, where at least 13 people were confirmed dead. The storm’s impact was severe enough to warrant the closure of schools and government offices in Manila and nearby provinces on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.
As Yagi continued on its westward path, it was anticipated to make landfall in southern China over the coming weekend. The potential for the storm to strengthen or change course kept authorities across Southeast Asia on high alert, even as they managed their own weather-related challenges. For Thailand, while the immediate threat from Yagi appeared minimal, the ongoing heavy rains served as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Residents were advised to stay informed about weather updates and to prepare for possible emergencies in the days ahead.
