Flash floods hit Phetchabun as Pasak River overflows

300 households evacuated in Lom Sak district after heavy rain

Flash floods inundated communities in Lom Sak district of Phetchabun province after heavy overnight rain caused the Pasak River to overflow its banks, forcing about 300 households to evacuate on Saturday.

Heavy rain had pounded Lom Kao and Lom Sak districts throughout the night, particularly around the mountainous Khao Pak Chong area in tambon Pak Chong of Lom Sak. The runoff swept into residential areas on Saturday morning, affecting around 300 households in tambon Pak Chong.

Rescue volunteers rushed to assist residents, prioritising the evacuation of elderly people and those with disabilities to safer locations.

The strong current also damaged infrastructure, causing an electricity pole along a canal to tilt dangerously close to the ground. No injuries were reported.

The Pasak River in Lom Sak district rose to 8.56 metres, 26cm above the riverbank level. The overflow inundated several communities within Lom Sak municipality, including Tha Kokpho, Wat Thung Samut and Ban Rai, as well as parts of village Moo 7 of Tan Diao municipality and Moo 12 of tambon Nong Khwai.

Lom Sak district chief Phakphum Phumee said water levels in tambon Pak Chong were steadily receding and were expected to return to normal by the afternoon.

He said all local administration organisations have been instructed to prepare personnel and disaster-response equipment to ensure they could assist residents around the clock.

Village heads and kamnan in areas along the Pasak River and its tributaries have also been told to issue warnings and urge residents to monitor water levels 24 hours a day, follow official announcements and remain alert to possible flooding and forest runoff, said the district chief.

A red flag at the Srisa-ard bridge in Lom Sak, Phetchabun warns residents about the critical water level of the Pasak River. (Photo: Lom Sak police station)