Thailand floods ease as water recedes in Bangkok

Floods across Thailand have killed 24 people and affected millions since mid-September, authorities said on Wednesday.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flooding continued in 29 provinces and Bangkok, affecting over 1.12 million households and 3.19 million people.

Satellite data from Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency showed about 1.71 million rai (about 273,600 hectares) of land remain flooded across the country.

Rain has eased across most parts of the country except the lower south, said government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises, adding that the overall water situation "remains manageable," with no emerging flood crises.

Rain is expected to ease and then return on October 4 to 6 in the north and northeast, which could also affect central Thailand and Bangkok. Forecasters do not expect prolonged downpours, Ekkapob told a press briefing.

Dams in Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok, will increase releases to keep their reservoirs from getting too full, Ekkapob said.

Discharge on the Mae Klong River through Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram will rise from 1,600 to 2,000 cubic meters per second, which could raise riverside water levels by about 80 centimeters, he said, noting that residents were told to consider moving to shelters.