Flooding in Ban Sang district of Prachin Buri has rendered all main and secondary roads impassable, necessitating the use of trains to transport food and supplies for rescue efforts. According to the district’s chief officer, Setthawut Wonglerwut, the current inundation surpasses the severity of floods experienced in 2011 and 2013. All nine sub-districts and 88 villages are submerged, including the district office where water levels are above knee height. Setthawut explained that Ban Sang serves as a catchment area where the Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok rivers converge before the water flows into Chachoengsao, and water levels are continuing to rise.
Small vehicles are unable to navigate the flooded areas, with access restricted to army high-clearance trucks, rescue vehicles, and boats. The district has established 14 shelters accommodating over 700 individuals, representing an estimated 80% to 90% of those affected. However, approximately 10% of residents are refusing to evacuate, and Setthawut cautioned that further water accumulation is anticipated. No fatalities have been reported thus far.
Krit Kasomphan, president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, confirmed that one railway carriage filled with food and survival kits is en route to Nong Nam Khao railway station in Ban Sang. From there, rescue teams will distribute the provisions via high-clearance trucks and boats to shelters, including Sirirak School and Bang Toei. At the Sirirak School shelter, floodwaters have reached a depth of 50cm above the school grounds, contained by an earth embankment.
Elsewhere, conditions are reportedly improving. Acting Governor Chanathip Khokmani stated that Na Di is nearing a return to normalcy, and traffic has been restored in Kabin Buri. Nevertheless, significant standing water continues to prevent some residents of Prachantakham and Si Maha Phot from returning to their homes. In Dong Chai Man village, Prachantakham, which is only accessible by boat, officials are delivering three meals daily, and public health personnel are monitoring for waterborne illnesses such as rashes and foot fungus.